SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON

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THE MINISTRY OF ANGEL

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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS

Lesson 1, for October 1, 1955

Angels Created Beings; Disaffection and Conflict

MEMORY VERSE:

"For

verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took

on Him the seed of Abraham." Heb.

2:16.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help; see "Index to the

Writings of Ellen G. White" on angels.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques. 11-14.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 8-10.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. The Family of God

In heaven and in earth. Eph.

3:14, 15.

Sons of God. Job 1:6; 1 John 3:1.

The heavenly part of the family.

1 Tim. 5:21; Heb. 1:5.

III. Orders and Titles of Angels

Cherubim and seraphim. Ezek.

10:19, 20; Isa. 6:2, 6.

Specific names of angels. Jude 9;

Luke 1:19.

IV. Origin of Angels

1. Before creation of the world. Job

38:4-7.

2. Before death of any man. Gen. 3:24.

V. Lucifer and Evil Angels

Exaltation and disaffection of Lu-

cifer. Isa. 14:12-14.

War in heaven. Rev. 12:7-9.

Reserved unto judgment. 2 Peter

2:4; Jude 6.

VI. Man in Conflict With the Powers

of Evil

Woe unto inhabitants of earth.

Rev. 12:12.

A powerful enemy. Eph. 6:11, 12.

A more powerful deliverer. Luke

10:17-19.

Ministering spirits for heirs of sal-

vation. Heb. 1:13, 14.

]

THE LESSON

Introduction

With this lesson we begin a series of stud-

ies on a phase of Bible truth the under-

standing of which will become more and

more important as the days go by. As the

great controversy moves on to its final

stages, the interposition of superhuman

agencies in the affairs of men will become

increasingly apparent. To meet the issues

intelligently, we need a clear understanding

of the Scriptures dealing with the question

of angels, both good and bad. In this les-

son we deal with the primary facts involved

in a study of angels.

The Family of God

By what term does the apostle

Paul show the close relationship that

exists between the inhabitants of

heaven and the inhabitants of earth?

Eph. 3:14, 15.

By what name are the members

of this family called? Job 1:6; 1 John

3:1.

In the heavenly family who are

mentioned along with the Father and

the Son? 1 Tim. 5:21; Heb. 1:5.

Orders and Titles of Angels

Of what two orders of angels

are we informed? Ezek. 10:19, 20; Isa.

6:2, 6.

What are some of the specific

names of angels? Jude 9; Luke 1:19.

NoTE.—Michael is called the Archangel.

"Michael

means, 'Who is

God,' and

hence is a fit title for Christ.

Gabriel

signi-

fies, 'The

strength

of God,' an appropriate

name for the angel or being who stands next

to Christ."—Bible

Readings for the Home,

1949 ed., p. 514.

Origin of Angels

How far back can the existence

of angels be traced? Job 38:4-7.

NOTE.—"Before the creation of man, an-

gels were in existence; for when the foun-

dations of the earth were laid, 'the morning

stars sang together, and all the sons of God

shouted for

joy.'"—The Great Contro-

versy,

page 511.

What other fact shows that an-

gels are not the spirits of men who

have died? Gen. 3:24.

Nora.—"Satan commenced his deception

in Eden. He said to Eve, 'Ye shall not

surely die.' This was Satan's first lesson

upon the immortality of the soul, and he

has carried on this deception from that

time to the present, and will carry it on

until the captivity of God's children shall

be turned. I was pointed to Adam and

Eve in Eden. They partook of the forbid-

den tree, and then the flaming sword was

placed around the tree of life, and they

were driven from the garden, lest they

should partake of the tree of life, and be

immortal sinners. The fruit of this tree

was to perpetuate immortality. I heard an

angel ask, 'Who of the family of Adam have

passed that flaming sword, and have par-

taken of the tree of life?' I heard another

angel answer, 'Not one of the family of

Adam has passed that flaming sword, and

partaken of that tree; therefore there is not

an immortal sinner.' The soul that sinneth,

it shall die an everlasting death—a death

from which there will be no hope of a resur-

rection; and then the wrath of God will

be appeased."—Early

Writings,

1945 Chris-

tian Home Library ed., p. 218.

[ 4 ]

I WILL BE LIKE

THE MOST HIGH.

111

REBELLION AGAINST

AGAINST

GOO

BEGINS WITH

SELF-EXALTATION.

Lucifer and Evil Angels

With whom did disaffection

among the angels originate? Isa. 14:

12:14. Compare Ezek. 28:13, 14.

Nofx.—"Little by little, Lucifer came to

indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The

Scripture says: 'Thine heart was lifted up

because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted

thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.'

`Thou hast said in thine heart, . . . I will

exalt my throne above the stars of God;

. . . I will be like the Most High.' Though

all his glory was from God, this mighty

angel came to regard it as pertaining to

himself. Not content with his position,

though honored above the heavenly host,

he ventured to covet homage due alone to

the Creator. Instead of seeking to make

God supreme in the affections and alle-

giance of all created beings, it was his en-

deavor to secure their service and loyalty

to himself. And coveting the glory with

which the infinite Father had invested His

Son, this prince of angels aspired to power

that was the prerogative of Christ alone."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 35:

In what did this disaffection re-

sult? Rev. 12:7-9.

10.

Unto what have the evil angels

been reserved? 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6.

Man in Conflict With the

Powers of Evil

11.

Why is woe pronounced upon

the earth? Rev. 12:12.

12.

Against what strong influence

do God's children in this world have

to war? Eph. 6:11, 12.

Nom.—The American Revised Version

reads, "For our wrestling is not against

flesh and blood, but against the principal-

ities, against the powers, against the world

rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual

hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

"The power and malice of Satan and his

host might justly alarm us, were it not that

we may find shelter and deliverance in the

superior power of our Redeemer. We care-

fully secure our houses with bolts and locks

to protect our property and our lives from

evil men; but we seldom think of the evil

angels who are constantly seeking access to

us, and against whose attacks we have, in

our own strength, no method of defense.

If permitted, they can distract our minds,

disorder and torment our bodies, destroy

our possessions and our lives. Their only

delight is in misery and destruction. Fear-

ful is the condition of those who resist the

divine claims, and yield to Satan's tempta-

tions, until God gives them up to the con-

trol of evil spirits. But those who follow

Christ are ever safe under His watchcare. -

Angels that excel in strength are sent from

heaven to protect them. The wicked one

cannot break through the guard which God

has stationed about His people."—The

Great Controversy,

page 517.

13.

What comforting promise is

given the child of God in this con-

flict? Luke 10:17-19.

14.

What aid may we have in our

warfare against the powers of dark-

ness? Heb. 1:13, 14.

[5]

Lesson 2, for October 8, 1955

Angels a Higher Order of Being Than Man

MEMORY VERSE:

"What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man,

that Thou

visitest

him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,

and hast crowned him with glory and honor." Ps.

8:4, 5.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General

survey

the

lesson.

Sunday: Introduction;

Ques.

1-3.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.

Tuesday:

Ques. 8-11.

Wednesday: Ques. 12-14.

Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

bath School Lesson Help.

Friday: General review of the

entire

lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II. The Creation and Dominion of Man,

and His Mortality

Made in God's image. Gen. 1:26.

Man's assigned dominion. Gen.

1:26-28; Ps. 8:6-8.

Man's mortal state. Job 4:17;

Rom. 6:12.

III. Superiority of Angels

Relative position of angels and men.

Ps. 8:4, 5.

Gideon's fear in presence of an an-

gel. Judges 6:21-23.

Daniel's attitude in presence of an-

gel Gabriel. Dan. 8:16, 17.

Angels at the tomb of Christ.

Matt. 28:2-4.

IV. Natural and Spiritual Bodies

Question concerning the resurrec-

tion. 1 Cor. 15:35.

Celestial and terrestial bodies.

1 Cor. 15:36-41.

The resurrection body. 1 Cor.

15:42-44.

Christ's nature while on earth. Heb.

2:9, 16.

V. Will Men Ever Become Angels?

Mortal puts on immortality. 1 Cor.

15:49-53.

"Equal to angels" in one respect.

Luke 20:36.

Man's final exaltation assured

through Christ. Heb. 2:9, 14, 18;

Phil. 3:21.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The majority of people have an entirely

wrong conception of the nature of both man

and angels. In this lesson we shall study a

few of the many passages of Scripture that

clarify this whole subject, even to the an-

swering of the question as to whether men

will ever be transformed into angels.

The Creation and Dominion

of Man, and His Mortality

1. In

whose image was man made?

Gen. 1:26.

NorE.-"Man was to bear God's image,

both in outward resemblance and in char-

E 6 ]

acter. Christ alone is 'the express image' of

the Father; but man was formed in the

likeness of God. His nature was in har-

mony with the will of God. His mind was

capable of comprehending divine things. His

affections were pure; his appetites and pas-

sions were under the control of reason. He

was holy and happy in bearing the image

of God, and in perfect obedience to His

will.

"As man came forth from the hand of his

Creator, he was of lofty stature and per-

fect symmetry. His countenance bore the

ruddy tint of health, and glowed with the

light of life and joy. Adam's height was

much greater than that of men who now

inhabit the earth. Eve was somewhat less

in stature; yet her form was noble, and full

of beauty. The sinless pair wore no arti-

ficial garments; they were clothed with a

covering of light and glory, such as the an-

gels wear. So long as they lived in obedience

to God, this robe of light continued to en-

shroud

them."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 45.

What dominion was given to

man? Gen. 1:26-28; Ps. 8:6-8.

What is man's nature declared

to be? Job 4:17; Rom. 6:12.

Superiority of Angels

In God's creative plan how did

man compare with angels? Ps. 8:4, 5.

How did the angel's presence af-

fect Gideon? Judges 6:21-23.

What was Daniel's attitude in

the presence of Gabriel? Dan. 8:

16, 17.

What effect did the presence of

an angel have upon the Roman guard

at the tomb of Christ? Matt. 28:2-4.

NOTE.—"Clothed with the panoply of

God, this angel left the heavenly courts. The

bright beams of God's glory went before

him, and illuminated his pathway. 'His

countenance was like lightning, and his rai-

ment white as snow: and for fear of him

the keepers did shake, and became as dead

men.'

"Now, priests and rulers, where is the

power of your guard? Brave soldiers that

have never been afraid of human power are

now as captives taken without sword or

spear. The face they look upon is not the

face of mortal warrior; it is the face of the

mightiest of the Lord's host."—The

Desire

of Ages,

pages 779, 780.

Natural and Spiritual Bodies

What questions do some ask re-

garding the resurrection? 1 Cor.

15:35.

What differences in bodies does

the apostle Paul call to our attention?

1 Cor. 15:36-41.

10.

What change of body comes

to man in the resurrection? 1 Cor.

15:42-44.

11.

When the Son of God was born

in Bethlehem, was He born with a

spiritual or a natural body? Heb. 2:

9, 16.

NorE.—When Jesus came into this world,

He came as a man. He did not take "the

nature of angels," but He took the nature

of "the seed of Abraham." Jesus, then, was

made for "a little while" lower than the

angels. Read carefully Hebrews 2:7, 9, 17,

noting marginal readings of the verses.

"IN CHRIST THE FAMILY OF EARTH AND THE

FAMILY OF HEAVEN ARE BOUND TOGETHER.'

Will Men Ever Become Angels?

12.

What change of body will be

given to the righteous in the resurrec-

tion? 1 Cor. 15:49-53.

13.

In what respect will the re-

deemed be "equal unto the angels" af-

ter the resurrection? Luke 20:36.

NOTE.—"Let us not forget that the prom-

ise is never given to man that he will at

any time become an angel. We are assured,

however, that in one respect we shall be

made equal to the angels—we shall not be

subject to death. Of those who are ac-

counted worthy to have a part in the first

resurrection, Jesus Himself said, 'Neither

can they die any more: for they are equal

unto the angels.' Luke 20:36. At that long-

desired and triumphant day, the saved of

earth will be made 'equal unto the angels.'

Every longing of the heart will find com-

plete satisfaction. The fear of death will

be banished; and they will receive from

the hand of God, through faith in Jesus

Christ, the priceless gift of immortal life."

—I. H. Evans,

The Ministry of Angels,

1953

Christian Home Library ed., p. 45.

14.

Through whom is man's final

exaltation assured? Heb. 2:9, 14, 18;

Phil. 3:21.

NoTE.—"God has adopted human nature

in the person of His Son,

and has carried

the same into the highest heaven. It is the

`Son of man' who shares the throne of the

universe. It is the 'Son of man' whose name

shall be called, 'Wonderful, Counselor, The

mighty God, The everlasting Father, The

Prince of Peace.' Isa. 9:6. The I AM is the

Daysman between God and humanity, lay-

ing His hand upon both. He who is 'holy,

harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,'

is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb.

7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth

and the family of heaven are bound to-

gether. Christ glorified is our brother.

Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and hu-

manity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite

Love.

"Of His people God says, 'They shall be

as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an en-

sign upon His land. For how great is His

goodness, and how great is His beauty!'

Zech. 9:16, 17. The exaltation of the re-

deemed will be an eternal testimony to

God's mercy. 'In the ages to come,' He

will 'show the exceeding riches of His grace

in His kindness toward us through Christ

Jesus.' To the intent that . . . unto the

principalities and the powers in the heav-

enly places might be made known . . .

the manifold wisdom of God, according to

the eternal purpose which He purposed in

Christ Jesus our Lord.' Eph. 2:7; 3:10, 11,

R.V."—The Desire of Ages,

pages 25, 26.

If you are a Sabbath-school teacher, you will find the Teach-

er's Edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" a great

help because a full blank page is provided for each page of

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Lesson 3, for October 15, 1955

The Dominion of God and the Number and Glory

of His Messengers

MEMORY VERSE:

"Ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living

God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels."

•

Heb. 12:22.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of

the lesson.

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1, 2.

Monday: Ques. 3-5.

Tuesday: Ques. 6-8.

Wednesday: Ques. 9-12.

Thursday. Ques. 13-15. "Review and

Herald" Sabbath School Lesson

Help.

Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. God's Universal Kingdom

Lord of heaven and earth. Acts

17:24.

Vastness of His domain. Isa. 40:15,

17, 26.

III. God's Retinue of Couriers

The Lord attended by 10,000 holy

ones. Deut. 33 :2.

As revealed to Daniel. Dan. 7:9, 10.

As revealed to John. Rev. 5:11.

IV. Angels Appear as Chariots of Fire

Appeared at Elijah's translation.

2 Kings 2:11, 12.

Revealed to Elisha's servant.

2 Kings 6:17.

Composed of angels. Ps. 68:17.

V. Glory of the Angels

Cherubim at gates of Eden. Gen.

3:24.

Angel ascended in flame from Ma-

noah's altar. Judges 13:19-22.

The angel who rolled away the

stone. Matt. 28:2-4.

Daniel's description of angelic visi-

tor. Dan. 10:5, 6.

The living creatures around the

throne of God. Ezek. 1:13, 14.

The glory of the Archangel. Rev.

1:13-16.

Our privilege to share His glory.

1 John 3:2.

THE LESSON

Introduction

God is the ruler of the universe, the Lord

of heaven and earth, the Creator and Sus-

tainer of unnumbered worlds. Over this

vast dominion He holds sway and com-

mands an innumerable host of angelic mes-

sengers. In our lesson today we catch a lit-

tle glimpse of this limitless dominion.

God's Universal Kingdom

1. To what great fact did Paul

point the Greeks? Acts 17:24.

How is the vastness of God's

kingdom emphasized? Isa. 40:15, 17,

26.

NOTE.—"In this wonderful description we

obtain a glimpse of how this earth and its

people appear in the eyes of heaven. In

God's sight the earth is but as a grain of

sand, the waters He can measure in the

hollow of His hand, and all the inhabitants

of the earth are but as grasshoppers. Look-

ing up to the starry heavens, man can see

with the naked eye something of the mag-

nitude of God's creation. He beholds, and

marvels—but his unaided eye cannot num-

ber those glitterings suns. Now let him

bring to his aid the strongest telescope, and

again gaze at some chosen spot in the heav-

ens. What myriads of worlds, before un-

seen, are visible! Could he add to this

telescope still greater magnifying power,

there would be revealed still other worlds

—worlds that have been hidden from the

gaze of man during all the ages past. So

great is the immensity of space into which

we gaze, that man has never found the end.

By the aid of photography, stars otherwise

invisible have been distinguished; and as-

tronomers tell us there are 18,000,000 worlds

in a single system, and that the systems are

beyond counting."—I. H. Evans,

The Min-

istry of Angels,

pages 50, 51.

God's Retinue of Couriers

How did Moses speak of the at-

tendant host at the giving of the

law? Deut. 33:2. Compare Acts 7:53.

NOTE.—"Speaking out of the thick dark-

ness that enshrouded Him, as He stood

upon the mount, surrounded by a retinue

of angels, the Lord made known His law.

Moses, describing the scene, says: The

Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from

Seir unto them; He shined forth from

Mount Paran, and He came with ten thou-

sands of saints; from His right hand went

a fiery law for

them.'"—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pages 304, 305.

How many angel ministers did

the prophet Daniel see before the

throne of God? Dan. 7:9, 10.

What similar vision was shown

to the prophet John? Rev. 5:11.

NOTE.

—

"This language leaves us in a

state of uncertainty concerning the precise

number of the heavenly beings—`thousands

of thousands ministered unto Him, and ten

thousand times ten thousand stood before

Him.' We know that 'ten thousand times

ten thousand' equals one hundred million,

but we can form no idea of the number

represented by 'thousands of thousands.'

Nowhere in the word of God is given the

exact number of the heavenly beings."— I.

H. Evans,

The Ministry of Angels,

page 55.

Angels Appear as Chariots of Fire

How are the chariot and horses

that took Elijah into heaven de-

scribed? 2 Kings 2:11, 12.

NOTE.—"Elijah had walked

with God.

His work had been painful and trying, for

the Lord through him had reproved the

sins of Israel. Elijah was a prophet of God;

yet he was compelled to flee from place to

place to save his life. His own nation

hunted him like a wild beast that they

might destroy him. But God translated

Elijah. Angels bore him in glory and tri-

umph to heaven."—Early

Writings,

page

162.

What was the appearance of the

horses and chariots that the servant

saw about Elisha? 2 Kings 6:17.

How does the psalmist define the

chariots of the Lord? Ps. 68:17. Com-

pare Ps. 104:4.

Glory of the Angels

What is the first reference in the

Bible to the glory of angels? Gen.

3:24.

1107

10.

How did the angel that ap-

peared to Manoah reveal his glory?

Judges 13:19-22.

NOTE.—"I was shown that when God

sent His angels anciently to minister or

communicate to individuals, and these per-

sons learned that they had seen and talked

with an angel, they were struck with awe

and were afraid that they should die. They

had so exalted views of the terrible majesty

and power of God that they thought it

would destroy them to be brought into

close connection with one direct from His

holy presence. I was referred to Judges 13:

21, 22: 'Then Manoah knew that he was

an angel of the Lord. And Manoah said

unto his wife, We shall surely die, because

we have seen

God.'"—Testimonies, vol.

p. 410.

11.

What was the appearance of

the angel who rolled back the stone

from the Saviour's tomb? Matt. 28:

2-4. Compare Luke 24:4, 5.

ing angels knew that the time for the re-

lease of God's dear Son, their loved Com-

mander, had nearly come. As they were

waiting with the deepest emotion the hour

of His triumph, a mighty angel came fly-

ing swiftly from heaven. His face was like

the lightning, and his garments white as

snow. His light dispersed the darkness from

his track and caused the evil angels, who

had triumphantly claimed the body of Je-

sus, to flee in terror from his brightness

and glory. One of the angelic host who

had witnessed the scene of Christ's humili-

ation, and was watching His resting place,

joined the angel from heaven, and together

they came down to the sepulcher. The

earth trembled and shook as they ap-

proached, and there was a great earth-

quake."—Early

Writings,

page 181.

12.

What description is given by

the prophet Daniel of the glory of an

angelic being? Dan. 10:5, 6.

13.

How does Ezekiel describe the

living creatures around the throne of

God? Ezek. 1:13, 14.

14.

How does the prophet John de-

scribe the glory of the Son of God?

Rev. 1:13-16.

NoTE.—The Son of God is the "Arch-

angel." See 1 Thessalonians 4:16. To no

other being is given this exalted title. The

glory of His presence surpasses that of the

angels.

15.

If faithful, what may we some-

day share in some degree? 1 John 3:2.

NOTE.—"As night drew on, soldiers were

stationed to guard the Saviour's resting

place, while angels, unseen, hovered above

the sacred spot. The night wore slowly

away, and while it was yet dark, the watch-

NOTE.—"Our Redeemer has opened the

way so that the most sinful, the most needy,

the most oppressed and despised, may find

access to the Father."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 113.

Lesson 4, for October 22, 1955

Power and Speed of the Angels

MEMORY VERSE:

"Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His

commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word." Ps. 103:20.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques. 11-14.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 8-10.

' Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

Power of the Angels

Excel in strength. Ps. 103:20.

Illustrated in deliverance of Peter

from prison. Acts 5:17-19, 22, 23.

III. Example of Angelic Power Over

Armies of Assyria

Defiance of Assyria. 2 Kings 19:

10-13.

Hezekiah seeks God. 2 Kings 19:

14-19.

Lord's message through prophet

Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:20-34.

Destruction of Assyrian army.

2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chron. 32:21.

IV. Speed of the Angels

Ezekiel's description of the swift-

ness of the angels' movements.

Ezek. 1:14.

Daniel attests to swift flight of an-

gels. Dan. 9:21, last part.

Jesus could immediately summon

legions of angels. Matt. 26:53.

V. Examples of Speedy Intervention

of Angels

Daniel's prayer. Dan. 9:3, 4, 18, 19.

The immediate response. Dan. 9:20,

21, 23.

Peter's imprisonment arouses church

to prayer. Acts 12:4, 5.

Angel intervention on eve of pro-

posed execution. Acts 12:6-9.

Church surprised that their prayers

were so soon answered. Acts

12:11-16.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The power of the angels whom God sends

forth to minister to the heirs of salvation,

and the speed with which the angels can

come to our deliverance at the command of

God in the hour of crisis are facts that

should bring great assurance to the people

of God as we approach the time of trouble.

Power of the Angels

1. How does the psalmist refer to

the power of the angels? Ps. 103:20.

12]

How is the power of angels il-

lustrated in the experience of Peter?

Acts 5:17-19, 22, 23.

Example of Angelic Power

Over Armies of Assyria

With what words did Rab-

shakeh, leader of the Assyrian hosts,

taunt Hezekiah and defy heaven? 2

Kings 19:10-13.

What did Hezekiah do when he

received the letter? 2 Kings 19:14-19.

What was the message sent by

the Lord through Isaiah in answer to

Hezekiah's prayer? 2 Kings 19:20-34.

That very night what did one

angel do? 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chron.

32:21.

NOTE.—"What a thrilling tale of deliver-

ance from captivity wrought by God

through the agency of an angel! Where,

now, is the boasting of that proud, blas-

phemous monarch, who defied the Lord of

heaven and said He was not able to de-

liver out of his hand? Before the Assyri-

ans can shoot an arrow or throw a javelin,

the God of heaven sends an angel to smite

their sleeping hosts. In a single night, one

hundred eighty-five thousand of Sennache-

rib's warriors are slain, not on the field of

battle, but by this silent messenger from

heaven.

"Was ever such victory won before in

the history of nations?—a whole army gone

down into the jaws of death, not in battle,

not on the field of campaign and strife, but

while they lay sleeping, dreaming per-

chance of the morrow, when they hoped

to scale the walls of Jerusalem and satisfy

their lust and appetite and greed in the

plunder and spoils of a conquered city.

From a study of this record, we must ad-

mit that the power of angels is limited only

by the work which God designs they shall

accomplish."—I. H. Evans,

The Ministry

of Angels,

page 73.

Speed of the Angels

What description does Ezekiel

give of the swiftness of the movement

of angels? Ezek. 1:14.

NOTE.—Man has never attempted to

measure the velocity of anything traveling

faster than light. Light travels 186,000

miles a second—more than seven times

around the earth in one second of time.

Yet angels can travel faster than this.

Ezekiel wrote of their movement that they

"ran and returned as the appearance of a

flash of lightning." Men may move about

by train, automobile, or airplane at what

we consider an extremely high rate of

speed; but when we compare such move-

ment to that of an angel, it is as nothing.

Faster than the telegraph message, these

heavenly messengers speed on their errands

of ministry to man.

How does Daniel speak of the

speed of an angel? Dan. 9:21, last

part.

In what words did Jesus indicate

that legions of angels were at His im-

mediate command? Matt. 26:53.

Examples of Speedy Intervention

of Angels

10.

In his burden for the restora-

tion of Jerusalem what was Daniel

constrained to do? Dan. 9:3, 4, 18, 19.

NoTE.—This prayer in its entirety cannot

be considered a very long prayer. In con-

nection with what follows we should mark

[ 13 ]

`WE MAY HAVE HEAVEN'S HELP AT A

MOMENT'S CALL IF WE, LIKE DANIEL,

TRUST IN GOD

the comparative brevity of this prayer.

"Heaven was bending low to hear the

earnest supplication of the prophet. Even

before he had finished his plea for pardon

and restoration, the mighty Gabriel again

appeared to him, and called his attention

to the vision he had seen prior to the fall

of Babylon and the death of Belshazzar.

And then the angel outlined before him in

detail the period of the seventy weeks,

which was to begin at the time of 'the go-

ing forth of the commandment to restore

and to build Jerusalem.'

"—Prophets and

Kings,

page 556.

11. How does Daniel speak of the

immediacy of the response to his

prayer? Dan. 9:20, 21, 23.

NOTE.—"Here a messenger from heaven,

standing before the throne of God when

Daniel began to pray, was commanded to

come to the prophet, and to give him skill

and understanding concerning the revela-

tions of Jehovah. While the prayer was

still on his lips, before he had closed his

petition, a messenger from the throne of

God was at Daniel's side, announcing, 'At

the beginning of thy supplications the com-

mandment came forth, and I am come to

show thee.' Verse 23. Surely one could

not ask for a more speedy response to his

supplication than this."—I. H. Evans.

The

Ministry of Angels,

pages 82, 83.

12.

What did Peter's imprisonment

arouse the church to do? Acts 12:4, 5.

13.

the eve of Peter's proposed

execution what deliverance came to

him? Acts 12:6-9.

NOTE.—"With the prison doors securely

fastened, and a strong guard before them,

all chance of rescue or escape through hu-

man means was cut off. But man's extrem-

ity is God's opportunity.. .

"It is the last night before the proposed

execution. A mighty angel is sent from

heaven to rescue Peter. The strong gates

that shut in the saint of God open without

the aid of human hands. The angel of the

Most High passes through, and the gates

close noiselessly behind him. He enters the

cell, and there lies Peter, sleeping the peace-

ful sleep of perfect trust. . . . He feels the

touch of the angel's hand, and hears a voice

saying, 'Arise up quickly.' . . .

"They step over the guard, and reach the

heavily bolted door, which of its own ac-

cord swings open, and closes again imme-

diately, while the guards within and with-

out are motionless at their post.

"The second door, also guarded within

and without, is reached. It opens as did

the first, with no creaking of hinges or

rattling of iron bolts. They pass through,

and it closes again as noiselessly. In the

same way they pass through the third gate-

way, and find themselves in the open

street. No word is spoken; there is no

sound of footsteps. The angel glides on in

front, encircled by a light of dazzling bright-

ness, and Peter, bewildered, and still be-

lieving himself to be in a dream, follows his

deliverer. Thus they pass on through one

street, and then, the mission of the angel

being accomplished, he suddenly disap-

pears."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

146, 147.

14.

What surprise was expressed

by the church at prayer? Acts 12:

11-16.

NoTE.—Thus again the Lord demon-

strated the assurance that God is "a very

present help in trouble."

Lesson 5, for October 29, 1955

Guardian Angels

MEMORY VERSE:

, "He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all

thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot

against a stone." Ps. 91:11, 12.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques. 12-14.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sob-

Sunday: Introduction

;

Ques. 1-3.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 8-11.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Angelic Protection

"Their angels." Matt. 18:10.

"Charge over thee." Ps. 91:11, 12.

"Encampeth round about." Ps. 34:7.

III. Illustrated in Experiences of Job

and Elisha

"My servant Job." Job 1:6-8.

"An hedge about him." Job 1:9, 10.

"Alas, my master ! how shall we

do?" 2 Kings 6:15.

"The Lord opened the eyes of the

young man." 2 Kings 6:16, 17.

IV. Illustrated in the Experience

of Daniel

Daniel accused. Dan. 6:10-13.

The king's reluctant order. Dan.

6:14-17.

The king's inquiry. Dan. 6:18-20.

Daniel's deliverance. Dan. 6:21-23.

Fate of Daniel's accusers.

V. In the Final Conflict

Promise for time of trouble. Ps.

27:5.

Saved out of time of Jacob's trou-

ble. Jer. 30:7.

THE LESSON

Introduction

One of the most comforting assurances

in the Bible is that every child of God has

the protection of heavenly angels. As we

study this lesson on guardian angels, may

we commit the keeping of our lives anew to

God's protecting care in a fuller apprecia-

tion of the fact that, "God's people, ex-

posed to the deceptive power and unsleep-

ing malice of the prince of darkness, and

in conflict with all the forces of evil, are

assured of the unceasing guardianship of

heavenly angels."-The

Great Controversy,

page 513.

Angelic Protection

How is the personal interest of

angels in human beings expressed?

Matt. 18:10.

What charge does God give His

angels concerning the care of His peo-

ple? Ps. 91:11, 12.

[ 151

"HEAVEN IS VERY NEAR THOSE WHO

SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE."

NOTE.

-"I have seen the tender love that

God has for His people, and it is very

great. I saw angels over the saints with

their wings spread about them. Each saint

had an attending angel. If the saints wept

through discouragement, or were in dan-

ger, the angels that ever attended them

would fly quickly upward to carry the tid-

ings, and the angels in the city would cease

to sing. Then Jesus would commission an-

other angel to descend to encourage, watch

over, and try to keep them from going out

of the narrow path; but if they did not

take heed to the watchful care of these

angels, and would not be comforted by

them, but continued to go astray, the an-

gels would look sad and weep. They would

bear the tidings upward, and all the angels

in the city would weep, and then with a

loud voice say, 'Amen.' But if the saints

fixed their eyes upon the prize before them

and glorified God by praising Him, then

the angels would bear the glad tidings to

the city, and the angels in the city would

touch their golden harps and sing with a

loud voice, 'Alleluia!' and the heavenly

arches would ring with their lovely songs."

—Early Writings,

page 39.

3. What comforting assurance is

given to those who fear God? Ps. 34:7.

:NOTE.—"

'The angel of the Lord encamp-

eth round about them that fear Him, and

delivereth them.' God commissions His

angels to save His chosen ones from calam-

ity, to guard them from 'the pestilence

that walketh in darkness,' and 'the destruc-

tion that wasteth at noonday.' Again and

again have angels talked with men as a

man speaketh with a friend, and led them

to places of security. Again and again

have the encouraging words of angels re-

newed the drooping spirits of the faithful,

and carrying their minds above the things

of earth, caused them to behold by faith

the white robes, the crowns, the palm

branches of victory, which overcomers will

receive when they surround the great white

throne."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page

153.

Illustrated in Experiences of

Job and Elisha

What question did God once ask

Satan regarding Job? Job 1:6-8.

How did Satan complain of the

protection about Job? Job 1:9, 10.

In time of peril how did Elisha's

servant express his alarm? 2 Kings

6:15.

How were his fears allayed? 2

Kings 6:16, 17.

Illustrated in the Experience

of Daniel

What accusation was brought

against Daniel? Dan. 6:10-13.

What order did the king reluc-

tantly give? Dan. 6:14-17.

[ 16 ]

NotE.—"God did not prevent Daniel's

enemies from casting him into the lions'

den; He permitted evil angels and wicked

men thus far to accomplish their purpose;

but it was that He might make the deliver-

ance of His servant more marked, and the

defeat of the enemies of truth and right-

eousness more complete. 'Surely the wrath

of man shall praise Thee,' the psalmist has

testified. Through the courage of this one

man who chose to follow right rather than

policy, Satan was to be defeated, and the

name of God was to be exalted and

hon-

ored."—Prophets and Kings,

pages 543, 544.

10.

After a wakeful night, what

concern did the king manifest? Dan.

6:18-20.

11.

What was Daniel's reassuring

reply to the king's inquiry? Dan. 6:

21-23.

NoTE.—"From the story of Daniel's de-

liverance, we may learn that in seasons of

trial and gloom, God's children should be

just what they were when their prospects

were bright with hope and their surround-

ings all that they could desire. Daniel in

the lions' den was the same Daniel who

stood before the king as chief among the

ministers of state and as a prophet of the

Most High. A man whose heart is stayed

upon God will be the same in the hour of

his greatest trial as he is in prosperity,

when the light and favor of God and of

man beam upon him. Faith reaches to the

unseen, and grasps eternal realities.

"Heaven is very near those who suffer

for righteousness' sake. Christ identifies His

interests with the interests of His faithful

people; He suffers in the person of His

saints; and whoever touches His chosen

ones touches Him. The power that is near

to deliver from physical harm or distress is

also near to save from the greater evil,

making it possible for the servant of God to

maintain his integrity undet all circum-

stances, and to triumph through divine

grace."—Prophets and Kings,

page 545.

12.

Whose lives did the angels not

guard? Dan. 6:24.

In the Final Conflict

13.

In the final conflict what extra

provision will be made for the protec-

tion of God's people? Ps. 27:5.

NOTE.—"Said the angel, 'List ye!' Soon

I heard a voice like many musical instru-

ments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet

and harmonious. It surpassed any music I

had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy,

compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It

thrilled through my whole being. Said the

angel, 'Look ye!' My attention was then

turned to the company I had seen, who

were mightily shaken. I was shown those

whom I had before seen weeping and pray-

ing in agony of spirit. The company of

guardian angels around them had been

doubled, and they were clothed with an

armor from their head to their feet. They

moved in exact order, like a company of

soldiers. Their countenances expressed the

severe conflict which they had endured, the

agonizing struggle they had passed through.

Yet their features, marked with severe in-

ternal anguish, now shone with the light

and glory of heaven. They had obtained

the victory, and it called forth from them

the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy."

—Early Writings,

pages 270, 271.

14.

On what promise should the

child of God rest in that hour of trou-

ble? Jer. 30:7.

NOTE.—"The people of God will then be

plunged into those scenes of affliction and

distress described by the prophet as the

time of Jacob's trouble. 'Thus saith the

Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling,

of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces

are turned into paleness. Alas! for that

day is great, so that none is like it: it is

even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he

shall be saved out of it.'

"—The Great Con-

troversy,

page 616.

[ 17 ]

Lesson 6, for November 5, 1955

Angels and the Judgment

MEMORY VERSE:

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and

the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written

before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name."

Mal. 3:16.

STUDY HELPS:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help; "Index to the

Writings of Ellen G. White" on Books of record in heaven.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of

the lesson.

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.

Monday: Ques. 4-8.

Tuesday: Ques. 9-12.

Wednesday: Read from Ellen G. White

on Books of record in heaven.

Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

bath School Lesson Help.

Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II. The Judgment

An appointed time for judgment.

Acts 17:31.

Universality of the judgment. 2 Cor.

5:10.

Judgment scene described. Dan.

7:9, 10.

III. Life's Records Consulted

"In Thy book." Ps. 56:8.

"The books were opened." Rev.

20:11-15.

"Book of remembrance." Mal.

3:16, 17.

IV. Detailed Record Kept of Our Lives

\Vords taken into account. Matt.

12:36, 37.

Even motives reviewed. 1 Cor. 4:5.

"Every secret thing." Eccl. 12:14.

V. The Angel Witnesses

"Before the angel." Eccl. 5:6.

Names confessed before the angels.

Rev. 3:5.

Deliverance of those written in the

book. Dan. 12:1; Rev. 21)27.

THE LESSON

"How solemn is the thought! Day after

day, passing into eternity, bears its burden

of records for the books of heaven. Words

once spoken, deeds once done, can never be

recalled. Angels have registered both the

good and the evil. The mightiest conqueror

upon the earth cannot call back the record

of even a single day. Our acts, our words,

even our most secret motives, all have their

weight in deciding our destiny for weal or

woe. Though they may be forgotten by

us, they will bear their testimony to justify

or to condemn."—The

Great Controversy,

pages 486, 487.

[ 18

Introduction

One of the outstanding teachings of the

Bible is that all men must face a final hour

of judgment. Along with this is also several

references to the book of records from

which man will be judged. The question

might be raised, "Who has kept the records

of men's lives?" While there is no direct

statement in the Bible that angels are the

divine recorders, there are indications that

this is so. There are numerous references

in the spirit of prophecy to this effect such

as the following:

WORDS AND ACI7ONS AND M077VOS ARZ RZCOROff0

mina

BOOKS OF HEAVEN.

The Judgment

For what event has God ap-

pointed a time? Acts 17:31.

How many must appear before

the judgment bar? 2 Cor. 5:10.

What description of the judg-

ment is given by Daniel? Dan. 7:9, 10.

NOTE.—"Thus was presented to the proph-

et's vision the great and solemn day when

the characters and the lives of men should

pass in review before the Judge of all the

earth, and to every man should be ren-

dered 'according to his works.' The An-

cient of Days is God the Father. Says the

psalmist, 'Before the 'mountains were

brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed

the earth and the world, even from ever-

lasting to everlasting, Thou art God.' It is

He, the source of all being, and the foun-

tain of all law, that is to preside in the

judgment. And holy angels, as ministers

and witnesses, in number 'ten thousand

times ten thousand, and thousands of thou-

sands,' attend this great tribunal."—The

Great Controversy,

page 479.

Life's Records Consulted

Where did the psalmist indicate

that his life record was kept? Ps. 56:8.

When all men finally stand be-

fore the "great white throne," what

records will be opened? Rev. 20:

11-15.

NOTE.---"You

who are slighting the offers

of mercy, think of the long array of figures

accumulating against you in the books of

heaven; for there is a record kept of the

impieties of nations, of families, of indi-

viduals. God may bear long while the ac-

count goes on, and calls to repentance and

offers of pardon may be given; yet a time

will come when the account will be full;

when the soul's decision has been made;

when by his own choice, man's destiny has

been fixed. Then the signal will be given

for judgment to be

executed."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 165.

For whom is a book of remem-

brance kept? Mal. 3:16, 17.

NoTE.—" 'A book of remembrance' is

written before God, in which are recorded

the good deeds of 'them that feared the

Lord, and that thought upon His name.'

Their words of faith, their acts of love, are

registered in heaven. Nehemiah refers to

this when he says, 'Remember me, 0 my

God, . . . and wipe not out my good deeds

that I have done for the house of my God.'

In the book of God's remembrance every

deed of righteousness is immortalized.

There every temptation resisted, every evil

overcome, every word of tender pity ex-

pressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every

act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow

endured for Christ's sake, is recorded. Says

the psalmist, 'Thou tellest my wanderings:

put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are

they not in Thy book?'

"—The Great Con-

troversy,

page 481.

[19

]

Detailed Record Kept of Our Lives

What is taken into account in

the judgment? Matt. 12:36, 37.

NOTE.—"Some talk too much; they stand

in this position: 'Report, . . . and we will

report it.' Miserable indeed is such a po-

sition ! If all these gossipers would ever

bear in mind that an angel is following

them, recording their words, there would

be less talking and much more praying."—

Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 40.

"You all have an influence for good or

for evil on the minds and characters of

others. And just the influence which you

exert is written in the book of records in

heaven. An angel is attending you and

taking record of your words and actions..

When you rise in the morning, do you feel

your helplessness and your need of strength

from God? and do you humbly, heartily

make known your wants to your heavenly

Father? If so, angels mark your prayers,

and if these prayers have not gone forth

out of feigned lips, when you are in danger

of unconsciously doing wrong and exerting

an influence which will lead others to do

wrong, your guardian angel will be by your

side, prompting you to a better course,

choosing your words for you, and influ-

encing your

actions."—Testimonies,

vol. 3,

pp. 363, 364.

How inclusive is this record? 1

Cor. 4:5.

NoTE.—"Words and actions and motives

are recorded; but how little do these light,

superficial heads and hard hearts realize

that an angel of God stands writing down

the manner in which their precious mo-

ments are employed. God will bring to

light every word and every action. He is

in every place. His messengers, although

unseen, are visitors in the workroom and in

the sleeping apartment. The hidden works

of darkness will be brought to light. The

thoughts, the intents and purposes of the

heart, will stand revealed. All things are

naked and open to the eyes of Him with

whom we have to

do."—Testimonies,

vol.

pp.

589, 590.

What shows that the secrets of

our lives are registered in heaven?

Eccl. 12:14.

NoTE.—"Opposite each name in the books

of heaven is entered, with terrible exactness,

every wrong word, every selfish act, every

unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with

every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warn-

ings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments,

unimproved opportunities, the influence ex-

erted for good or for evil, with its far-

reaching results, all are chronicled by the

recording angel."—The

Great Controversy,

page 482.

The Angel Witnesses

10.

What witness is there of our

actions and words? Eccl. 5:6.

NoTE.—"I was shown that the recording

angel makes a faithful record of every of-

fering dedicated to God and put into the

treasury, and also of the final result of the

means thus bestowed. The eye of God takes

cognizance of every farthing devoted to

His cause, and of the willingness or reluc-

tance of the giver. The motive in giving is

also chronicled. Those self-sacrificing, con-

secrated ones who render back to God the

things that are His, as He requires of them,

will be rewarded according to their works.

Even though the means thus consecrated

be misapplied, so that it does not accom-

plish the object which the donor had in

view,—the glory of God and the salvation

of souls,—those who made the sacrifice

in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to

the glory of God, will not lose their re-

ward."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 518, 519.

11.

What precious promise is made

to the overcomer? Rev. 3:5.

12.

Who are promised deliverance

in the time of trouble? Dan. 12:1;

Rev. 21:27.

[

20]

Lesson 7, for November 12, 1955

Angels Agents in Divine Revelation

MEMORY VERSE:

"He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the

Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the

things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that

keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." Rev. 22:6, 7.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques. 13-15.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday: Ques. 4-8.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 9-12.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Prophetic Messengers

Secrets revealed to prophets. Amos

3:7.

An angel enlightens Daniel. Dan.

8:15-19.

An angel signifies revelation to

John. Rev. 1:1.

III. Gabriel the Chief Messenger

of the Lord

Gabriel sent to Daniel. Dan. 9:

21, 22.

His honored position. Dan. 10:21.

The one who stands in presence of

God. Luke 1:19.

"Thy fellow servant, and of thy

brethren the prophets." Rev. 22:

6, 8, 9.

IV.

Prophecy of Zechariah Example

of Instruction by an Angel

An angel explains vision of red

horse. Zech. 1:7-14.

2. Joshua and the angel. Zech.

3:1-7.

3. An angel interprets vision of can-

dlestick and olive trees. Zech.

4:1-14.

Other Instances of Angelic

Instruction

To Abraham. Gen. 22:11, 12, 15-18.

To Gideon. Judges 6:11, 12.

To Zacharias. Luke 1:11-18.

To Mary. Luke 1:26-35.

To the shepherds. Luke 2:8-15.

THE LESSON

Introduction

One of the functions of the angels is to

reveal God's will to men. "Adam, in his

innocence, had enjoyed open communion

with his Maker; but sin brought separation

between God and man. . . . Man was . . .

cut off from direct approach to his Creator,

but God would communicate with him

through Christ and

angels."-Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 67. In this lesson we

will study about angels as God's messengers.

[21]

Prophetic Messengers

To whom does God reveal His

secrets? Amos 3:7.

What agency did God use in en-

lightening the prophet Daniel? Dan.

8:15-19.

What part did an angel serve in

making plain God's message to John?

Rev. 1:1.

NOTE.—"In the past, God has revealed to

man many of His plans and purposes.

Again and again, in different ages, He has

spoken to men in various ways, through

His Holy Spirit, by vision, and by sending

angels to bring His messages to those

through whom He would reveal His will.

Almost from the earliest records of God's

dealings with His chosen people, to the clos-

ing book in the Bible, we find that God has

repeatedly spoken to His prophets and His

people through the agency of angels."—I.

H. Evans,

The Ministry of Angels,

page 127.

Gabriel the Chief Messenger

of the Lord

By what name was the angel

sent to Daniel identified? Dan. 9:

21, 22.

NOTE.—"It was Gabriel, the angel next

in rank to the Son of God, who came with

the divine message to Daniel. It was Ga-

briel, 'His angel,' whom Christ sent to open

the future to the beloved John; and a bless-

ing is pronounced on those who read and

hear the words of the prophecy, and keep

the things written therein. Rev. 1:3."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 234.

•

6A131ZIEL BROUGHT THE WONDERFUL ,

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE

SON Of

GOD

TO A HUMBLE MAIDEN.

How did Gabriel indicate his

honored position? Dan. 10:21.

In his announcement to Zacha-

rias how did Gabriel reveal his rela-

tion to God? Luke 1:19.

How did the angel who ap-

peared to John refer to himself? Rev.

22:6, 8, 9.

NOTE.—"Christ sent and made known the

Revelation to John by 'His angel.' A par-

ticular angel seems here to be brought to

view. What angel could appropriately be

called Christ's angel? May we not find an

answer to this question in a significant pass-

age in the prophecy of Daniel? In Daniel

10:21, an angel, which was doubtless Ga-

briel (see Daniel, chapters 9, 10, and 11:1),

in making known some important truths to

Daniel, said, 'There is none that holdeth

with me in these things, but Michael your

prince.' Who Michael is we easily learn.

Jude (verse 9) calls him the 'Archangel.'

And Paul tells us that when the Lord de-

scends from heaven, and the dead in Christ

are raised, the voice of the Archangel shall

[22]

be heard. 1 Thess. 4:16. And whose voice

will be heard at that amazing hour when

the dead are called to life? The Lord Him-

self replies, 'Marvel not at this; for the

hour is coming in the which all that are in

the graves shall hear

His voice'

(John 5:

28) ; and the previous verse shows that the

one here referred to, whose voice will then

be heard, is the Son of man, or

Christ.

It is

the voice of Christ, then, that calls the dead

from their graves. That voice, Paul de-

clares, is the voice of the Archangel; and

Jude says that the Archangel is called Mi-

chael, the very personage mentioned in

Daniel, and all referring to Christ. The

statement in Daniel, then, is, that the truths

to be revealed to Daniel were committed to

Christ, and confined exclusively to Him, and

to an angel whose name was Gabriel. Simi-

lar to the work of communicating impor-

tant truth to the 'beloved prophet' is the

work of Christ in the Revelation of com-

municating important truth to the 'be-

loved disciple;' and who, in this work, can

His

angel but he who was engaged with

Him in the former work, that is, the angel

Gabriel?"—Daniel

and the Revelation,

1918

ed., pp. 353, 354. See pages 340, 341 in

The

Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation.

Prophecy of Zechariah Example

of Instruction by an Angel

8. Who came to explain to Zecha-

riah his vision of the red horse and his

rider? Zech. 1:7-14.

NOTE.—"Zechariah had a series of vi-

sions regarding the work of God in the

earth. These messages, given in the form

of parables and symbols, came at a time of

great uncertainty and anxiety, and were of

peculiar significance to the men who were

advancing in the name of the God of Israel.

. . . 'And the Lord answered the angel that

talked with me,' Zechariah declared, 'with

good words and comfortable words.

" 'So the angel that communed with me

said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith

the Lord of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusa-

lem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

And I am very sore displeased with the

heathen that are at ease: for I was but a

little displeased, and they helped forward

the affliction. Therefore thus saith the

Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with

mercies: My house shall be built in it, . . .

and a line shall be stretched forth upon

Jerusalem.'

"—Prophets and Kings,

page

580.

What comforting message did

the angel bring to the accused Joshua?

Zech. 3:1-7.

10.

What interpretation did the an-

gel give to the vision of the candle-

sticks and olive trees? Zech. 4:1-14.

Other Instances of Angelic

Instruction

11.

In what direct way does God

sometimes communicate with man?

Gen. 22:11, 12, 15-18.

12.

How did God once reveal His

purpose to Gideon? Judges 6:11, 12.

13.

Who appeared unto the priest

Zacharias, and what message did he

deliver? Luke 1:11-18.

14.

What did this special heavenly

messenger announce to Mary? Luke

1:26-35.

15.

What medium did heaven use

in bringing glad tidings to the shep-

herds? Luke 2:8-15.

[ 23 ]

Lesson 8, for November 19, 1955

Angel Ministry to Men

MEMORY VERSE:

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have

entertained angels unawares." Heb. 13:2.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of

the lesson.

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-4.

Monday: Ques. 5-8.

Tuesday: Ques. 9-12.

Wednesday: Ques. 13-15.

Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

bath School Lesson Help.

Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Abraham's Heavenly Visitors

1. Abraham's reception of three

strangers. Gen. 18:1-8.

Previous promise of posterity. Gen.

15:5; 17:1-8.

Promise to be realized through

Sarah. Gen. 18:9-15.

Mission of messengers to Sodom.

Gen. 18:16-22.

III. Angels Visit Sodom

Lot welcomes angel visitors. Gen.

19:1-3, 5, first part.

Supernatural power of Lot's guests.

Gen. 19:9-11.

Warning of destruction. Gen.

19:12-14.

Deliverance of Lot's immediate

family. Gen. 19:15-17.

As a result of Abraham's interces-

sion. Gen. 18:23-32; 19:29.

IV. An Angel Comforts Hagar

Angel questions Hagar. Gen. 16':6-8.

The angel's message to Hagar. Gen.

16:9-13.

Hagar again in distress. Gen. 21:

14-16.

God again provides angel ministry

for Hagar. Gen. 21:17-19.

V. An Angel Intervenes in Abra-

ham's Supreme Test

Abraham's great test of faith. Gen.

22:2, 9.

An angel stays Abraham's hand.

Gen. 22:10-12.

THE LESSON

Introduction

One of the most important functions of

the angels is their ministry to man. "We

need to understand better than we do the

mission of the angel visitants. It would be

well to consider that in all our work we

have the co-operation and care of heavenly

beings. Invisible armies of light and power

attend the meek and lowly ones who believe

and claim the promises of God. Cherubim

and seraphim and angels that excel in

strength,-ten thousand times ten thou-

sand and thousands of thousands,-stand

at His right hand, 'all ministering spirits,

sent forth to minister for them who shall

be heirs of salvation.'

"-Christ's Object

Lessons,

page 176.

[ 24 ]

Abraham's Heavenly Visitors

Who were the "three men" en-

tertained by Abraham in the plains of

Mamre? Gen. 18:1-8. Compare Gen.

19:1.

NOTE.—"God conferred great honor upon

Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and

talked with him as friend with friend. When

judgments were about to be visited upon

Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him,

and he became an intercessor with God for

sinners. His interview with the angels pre-

sents also a beautiful example of hospital-

ity."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 138.

What promise had previously

been made to Abraham regarding his

posterity? Gen. 15:5; 17:1-8.

How did the Lord at this time

tell Abraham the promise concerning

his seed was to be fulfilled? Gen. 18:

9-15.

What was the mission of the an-

gels to Sodom and neighboring cities?

Gen. 18:16-22.

Angels Visit Sodom

Although referred to as "an-

gels," what indicates that the identity

of these visitors to Sodom was con-

cealed? Gen. 19:1-3, 5, first part.

NOTE.—"In the twilight, two strangers

drew near to the city gate. They were ap-

parently travelers coming in to tarry for

the night. None could discern in those hum-

ble wayfarers the mighty heralds of divine

judgment, and little dreamed the gay, care-

less multitude that in their treatment of

these heavenly messengers that very night

they would reach the climax of the guilt

which doomed their proud city. But there

was one man who manifested kindly at-

tention toward the strangers, and invited

them to his home. Lot did not know their

true character, but politeness and hospital-

ity were habitual with him; they were a

part of his religion,—lessons that he had

learned from the example of Abraham. Had

he not cultivated a spirit of courtesy, he

might have been left to perish with the rest

of Sodom. Many a household, in closing its

doors against a stranger, has shut out God's

messenger, who would have brought bless-

ing and hope and

peace."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 158.

In what way was the real char-

acter of Lot's guest revealed? Gen.

19:9-11.

What did the angels then tell

Lot regarding the object of their visit?

Gen. 19:12-14.

While these angels had been

sent to destroy the wicked inhabitants,

what was their work in behalf of Lot

and his family? Gen. 19:15-17.

Who had especially intervened

for Lot and his family? Gen. 18:23-32;

19:29.

NOTE.—"Though Lot had become a

dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the

iniquity of its inhabitants. Abraham

thought that in that populous city there

must be other worshipers of the true God.

And in view of this he pleaded, 'That be

far from Thee, to do after this manner,

slay the righteous with the wicked; . . .

that be far from Thee. Shall not the

Judge of all the earth do right?' Abra-

ham asked not once merely, but many

times. Waxing bolder as his requests were

granted, he continued until he gained the

assurance that if even ten righteous persons

[25

]

EAVENLY MESSENGERS



r FROM O

SAVE

OWN

WILLFUL,

WAYS.

could be found in it, the city would be

spared.

"Love for perishing souls inspired Abra-

ham's prayer. While he loathed the sins of

that corrupt city, he desired that the sin-

ners might be saved. His deep interest for

Sodom shows the anxiety that we should

feel for the impenitent. We should cherish

hatred of sin, but pity and love for the

sinner. All around us are souls going down

to ruin as hopeless, as terrible, as that

which befell

Sodom."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pages 139, 140.

An Angel Comforts Hagar

10.

When Hagar fled from her mis-

tress, who found her in the wilder-

ness? Gen. 16:6-8.

11.

What message did the angel

give to her? Gen. 16:9-13.

NoTE.—"She made her way to the desert,

and as she rested beside a fountain, lonely

and friendless, an angel of the Lord, in hu-

man form, appeared to her. Addressing her

as 'Hagar, Sarai's maid,' to remind her of

her position and her duty, he bade her, 'Re-

turn to thy mistress, and submit thyself

under her hands.' Yet with the reproof

there were mingled words of comfort. 'The

Lord hath heard thy affliction.' I will mul-

tiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not

be numbered for multitude.' And as a per-

petual reminder of his mercy, she was hid-

den to call her child Ishmael, 'God shall

hear.'

"—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 145,

146.

12.

What distressing experience

again came to Hagar? Gen. 21:14-16.

13.

How did God again provide for

Hagar in her banishment? Gen. 21:

17-19.

NOTE.—

Thus

it is that heaven ministers

to man's needs. These poor exiles were

hopeless and friendless. No more could

they return to the abundance of Abraham's

house. Moreover, He to whom the future

is as an open book, knew that Ishmael

would not choose to walk in the paths of

righteousness; yet, notwithstanding all this,

He sent an angel from heaven to this sor-

rowing mother and her suffering child to

supply their needs.

"In this dark world there is many a

mother whose heart aches as did Hagar's;

many a one who, like the outcast Egyptian,

knows not what to do. Often her heart is

too full for utterance. There may be no

true human friend to whom she can tell her

sorrows, none from whom she may seek

counsel. In utter hopelessness, she may feel

that life is too bitter to be borne, and long

for the time when she may rest from her

troubles. But there is not one such who

may not find comfort and help in God."—

I. H. Evans,

The Ministry of Angels,

pages

168, 169.

An Angel Intervenes in Abra-

ham's Supreme Test

14.

What supreme test of faith

came to Abraham? Gen. 22:2, 9.

15.

As Abraham was about to sac-

rifice his son, by what divine inter-

vention was his, hand stayed? Gen.

22:10-12.

[26

Lesson 9, for November 26, 1955

Angel Ministry to Men (Continued)

MEMORY VERSE:

"Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is

in this place; and I knew it not." Gen. 28:16.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of

the lesson.

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.

Tuesday: Ques. 8-11.

Wednesday: Ques. 12-14.

Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

bath School Lesson Help.

Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Ministry of Angels Revealed

to Jacob

Jacob's dream. Gen. 28:10-12.

Divine assurance. Gen. 28:13-15.

Bethel-The House of God. Gen.

28:16-22.

III. Angels Appear to Jacob on His

Return From Padan-aram

"God's host." Gen. 32:1, 2.

Jacob's prayer. Gen. 32:9-12.

Preparation to meet Esau. Gen.

32:13, 21.

Jacob's night of wrestling. Gen.

32:24-30.

IV. An Angel Ministers to Elijah

Jezebel's threat against the prophet.

1 Kings 19:1, 2.

Elijah's flight and despondency.

1 Kings 19:3, 4.

An angel awakens Elijah. 1 Kings

19:5, 6.

Angel again appears and strength-

ens Elijah. 1 Kings 19:7, 8.

V. Angel Ministry in Resisting

Enemies of God's People

Balaam hired to curse Israel. Num.

22:5-7.

Angel intercepts Balaam. Num.

22:22-26, 31-35.

Angel influence in Persian court.

Dan. 10:13.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The examples of angel ministry on behalf

of God's people are so numerous that we

have the privilege of a second lesson on this

subject. How grateful we should be for

this ministry ! "God commissions His an-

gels to save His chosen ones from calamity.

. . . Again and again have angels• talked

with men as a man speaketh with a friend,

and led them to places of security. Again

and again have the encouraging words of

angels renewed the drooping spirits of the

faithful. . . .

"It is the work of the angels to come close

to the tried, the suffering, the tempted.

They labor untiringly in behalf of those for

whom Christ died. . .

"The principalities and powers of heaven

are watching the warfare which, under ap-

parently discouraging circumstances, God's

servants are carrying on. New conquests

I 271,

IN MANY DAILY EXPERIENCES ANGELS

SE814 • TO SAVE US FROM

OURSELVES;'

are being achieved, new honors won, as the

Christians, rallying round the banner of

their Redeemer, go forth to fight the good

fight of faith. All the heavenly angels are

at the service of the humble, believing peo-

people of God; and as the Lord's army of

workers here below sing their songs of

praise, the choir above join with them in

ascribing praise to God and to His Son."—

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 153, 154.

Ministry of Angels Revealed

to Jacob

1. In Jacob's dream at Bethel whom

did he see ascending and descending

between earth and heaven? Gen. 28:

10-12.

NoTE.—"Heaven is brought near to earth

by that mystic ladder, the base of which is

firmly planted on the earth, while the top-

most round reaches the throne of the In-

finite. Angels are constantly ascending and

descending this ladder of shining brightness,

bearing the prayers of the needy and dis-

tressed to the Father above, and bringing

blessing and hope, courage and help, to the

children of men. These angels of light

create a heavenly atmosphere about the

soul, lifting us toward the unseen and the

eternal. We cannot behold their forms

with our natural sight; only by spiritual

vision can we discern heavenly things. The

spiritual ear alone can hear the harmony

of heavenly voices."—The.

Acts of the Apos-

tles,

page 153.

What message did God speak to

Jacob? Gen. 28:13-15.

What are some of the indications

of the deep impression this dream had

upon Jacob? Gen. 28:16-22.

Angels Appear to Jacob on His

Return From Padan-aram

Who met Jacob as he was re-

turning to his father's land twenty

years later? Gen. 32:1, 2.

NOTE.—"Again the Lord granted Jacob a

token of the divine care. As he traveled

southward from Mount Gilead, two hosts

of heavenly angels seemed to encompass

him behind and before, advancing with

his company, as if for their protection. Ja-

cob remembered the vision at Bethel so long

before, and his burdened heart grew lighter

at this evidence that the divine messengers

who had brought him hope and courage at

his flight from Canaan, were to be the

guardians of his return. And he said, 'This

is God's host; and he called the name of

that place Mahanaim'—`two hosts, or

camps.'

"—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

195.

When in distress for fear of

Esau, for what did Jacob pray? Gen.

32:9-12.

What preparation did Jacob

make to meet his brother? Gen. 32:

13, 21.

What experience did he have

with an angel during the night? Gen.

32:24-30.

[28

NoTE.—"The struggle continued until

near the break of day, when the stranger

placed his finger upon Jacob's thigh, and

he was crippled instantly. The patriarch

now discerned the character of his antago-

nist. He knew that he had been in conflict

with a heavenly messenger, and this was

why his almost superhuman effort had not

gained the victory. It was Christ, 'the An-

gel of the covenant,' who had revealed

Himself to

Jacob."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 197.

An Angel Ministers to Elijah

What threat did Jezebel make

against Elijah? 1 Kings 19:1, 2.

For what did Elijah pray when

in utter discouragement at the threat

of Jezebel? 1 Kings 19:3, 4.

10.

In this dark hour of despon-

dency who ministered to the weary

prophet? 1 Kings 19:5, 6.

11.

At the second appearance of the

angel how did he minister to Elijah?

What was the result of that ministry?

1 Kings 19:7, 8.

NOTE.—"Into the experience of all there

come times of keen disappointment and

utter discouragement,—days when sorrow

is the portion, and it is hard to believe that

God is still the kind benefactor of His earth-

born children; days when troubles harass

the soul, till death seems preferable to life.

It is then that many lose their hold on

God, and are brought into the slavery of

doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we

at such times discern with spiritual insight

the meaning of God's providences, we

should see angels seeking to save us from

ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon

a foundation more firm than the everlast-

ing hills; and new faith, new life, would

spring into

being."—Prophets and Kings,

page 162.

Angel Ministry in Resisting

Enemies of God's People

12.

Whom did Balak, the enemy of

Israel, hire to curse God's people?

Num. 22:5-7.

13.

How did an angel intervene,

and what restrictions were placed

upon the mercenary prophet? Num.

22:22-26, 31-35.

14.

What other instance is re-

corded of angel intervention on be-

half of God's people in the time of

Daniel? Dan. 10:13.

NOTE.—"While Satan was striving to in-

fluence the highest powers in the kingdom

of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to God's

people, angels worked in behalf of the ex-

iles. The controversy was one in which all

heaven was interested. Through the prophet

Daniel we are given a glimpse of this

mighty struggle between the forces of good

and the forces of evil. For three weeks Ga-

briel wrestled with the powers of darkness,

seeking to counteract the influences at work

on the mind of Cyrus; and before the con-

test closed, Christ Himself came to Ga-

briel's aid. 'The prince of the kingdom of

Persia withstood me one and twenty days,'

Gabriel declares; 'but, lo, Michael, one of

the chief princes, came to help me; and I

remained there with the kings of Persia.'

All that heaven could do in behalf of the

people of God was done. The victory was

finally gained; the forces of the enemy were

held in check all the days of Cyrus, and all

the days of his son Cambyses, who reigned

about seven and a half

years."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages 571, 572.

Lesson 10, for December 3, 1955

Angel Ministry to Jesus

MEMORY VERSE:

"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall

presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?" Matt. 26:53.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques. 13-16.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-4.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday Ques. 5-8.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 9-12.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II. Angels at the Birth and the

Temptation of Christ

Angels announce the birth of Christ.

Luke 2:8-14.

Wise Men follow the "star." Matt.

2:1, 2, 9, 10.

Angel appears to Joseph. Matt.

2:13.

Angel ministry to Christ in the wil-

derness. Matt. 4:1, 11.

III. Angels in Gethsemane and at

Trial of Jesus

I. Angel strengthens Christ for His

hour of agony. Luke 22:39-44.

2. Mob struck to the ground. John

18:4-6.

Legions at His command. Matt.

26:52-54.

Warning to Pilate in the judgment

hall. Matt. 27:2, 19.

Cruel treatment in spite of angel

warning. Matt. 27:26-30.

IV. Angels at His Resurrection and

Ascension

I. Angel at the tomb. Matt. 28:1, 2.

Effect upon the soldiers. Matt.

28:3, 4.

Angel's message to the women.

Matt. 28:5-7.

Luke mentions two angels. Luke

24:3-5.

Christ's ascension. Acts 1:9.

Angels' message of comfort. Acts

1:10, 11.

Angelic choir receives Christ. Ps.

24:3-10.

THE LESSON

Introduction

the angels' ministry to Christ while

upon earth we have an example of their

loving solicitude for all His followers. Christ

availed Himself of no divine assistance that

is not at the disposal of His people.

"The angels of God are ascending, bear-

ing the prayers of the needy and distressed

to the Father above, and descending, bring-

ing blessing and hope, courage, help, and

life, to the children of men.

"The angels of God are ever passing from

earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth.

301

The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and

suffering were wrought by the power of

God through the ministration of the an-

gels. And it is through Christ, by the

ministration of His heavenly messengers,

that every blessing comes from God to us.

In taking upon Himself humanity, our

Saviour unites His interests with those of

the fallen sons and daughters of Adam,

while through His divinity He grasps the

throne of God. And thus Christ is the

medium of communication of men with

God, and of God with men."—The

Desire

of Ages,

pages 142, 143.

Angels at the Birth and

the Temptation of Christ

Who announced the Saviour's

birth with joy and song? Luke 2:8-14.

How were the Wise Men from

the East guided to the birthplace of

Jesus? Matt. 2:1, 2, 9, 10.

NOTE.—"The Wise Men had seen a mys-

terious light in the heavens upon that night

when the glory of God flooded the hills of

Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous

star appeared, and lingered in the sky. It

was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the

phenomenon excited the keenest interest.

That star was a distant company of shining

angels, but of this the Wise Men were ig-

norant. Yet they were impressed that the

star was of special import to them."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 60.

What message did an angel

bring to Joseph? Matt. 2:13.

How did the angels show their

interest and sympathy when Jesus

was tempted in the wilderness? Matt.

4:1, 11.

NOTE.—"After the foe had departed, Je-

sus fell exhausted to the earth, with the pal-

lor of death upon His face. The angels of

heaven had watched the conflict, beholding

their loved Commander as• He passed

through inexpressible suffering •to make a

way of escape for us. He had endured the

test, greater than we shall ever be called to

endure. The angels now ministered to the

Son of God as He lay like one dying. He

was strengthened with food, comforted

with the message of His Father's love and

the assurance that all heaven triumphed in

His victoryr—The

Desire of Ages,

page

131.

Angels in Gethsemane and at

Trial of Jesus

What ministry did an angel per-

form for Christ in the Garden of

Gethsemane? Luke 22:39-44.

NOTE.—"The worlds unfallen and the

heavenly angels had watched with intense

interest as the conflict drew to its close. Sa-

tan and his confederacy •of evil, the legions

of apostasy, watched intently this great

crisis in the work of redemption. The pow-

ers of good and evil waited to see what

answer would come to Christ's thrice-re-

peated prayer. Angels had longed to bring

relief to the divine sufferer, but this might

not be. No way of escape was found for

the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when

everything was at stake, when the mysteri-

ous cup trembled in the hand of the suf-

ferer, the heavens opened, a light shone

forth amid the stormy darkness of the

crisis hour, and the mighty angel who

stands in God's presence, occupying the

position from which Satan fell, came

to the

side of Christ. The angel came not to take

the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen

Him to drink it, with the assurance of the

Father's love."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

693.

What experience came to a band

of men in Gethsemane when Jesus an-

swered them, "I am He"? John 18:

4-6.

[317

THIS SAME JESUS —St'

SHALL

COME."

TWO OF THE

GRANDEST ANGEL .MES5AGES

EVER

GIVEN TO MAN.

NOTE.—"No

traces of His recent agony

were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meet

His betrayer. Standing in advance of His

disciples He said, 'Whom seek ye?' They

answered, 'Jesus of Nazareth.' Jesus re-

plied, 'I am He.' As these words were

spoken, the angel who had lately ministered

to Jesus moved between Him and the mob.

A divine light illuminated the Saviour's

face, and a dovelike form overshadowed

Him. In the presence of this divine glory,

the murderous throng could not stand for

a moment. They staggered back. Priests,

elders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead

men to the ground."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 694.

In His rebuke to Peter to what

potential aid did Christ refer? Matt.

26:52-54.

NOTE.—"Peter

in his •anger rashly drew

his sword and tried to defend his Master.

. . . He then said to Peter, 'Put up again

thy sword into his place. . . . Thinkest

thou that I cannot now pray to My Fa-

ther, and He shall presently give Me more

than twelve legions of angels?'—a legion

in place of each one of the disciples."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 696.

What warning was sent to Pi-

late from his wife during the trial of

Jesus? Matt. 27:2, 19.

Non.—"From the first, Pilate was con-

victed that Jesus was no common man. He

believed Him to be an excellent character

and entirely innocent of the charges brought

against Him. The angels who were witness-

ing the scene marked the convictions of the

Roman governor, and to save him from en-

gaging in the awful act of delivering Christ

to be crucified, an angel was sent to Pilate's

wife, and gave her information through a

dream that it was the Son of God in whose

trial her husband was engaged, and that He

was an innocent sufferer. She immediately

sent a message to Pilate, stating that she

had suffered many things in a dream on

account of Jesus and warning him to have

nothing to do with that holy

man."—Early

Writings,

page 173.

In spite of the angel's warning

what cruel treatment was meted out

to Jesus? Matt. 27:26-30.

NoTE.—"The multitude were clamorous

for the blood of Jesus. They cruelly

scourged Him, and put upon Him an old

purple kingly robe, and bound His sacred

head with a crown of thorns. They put a

reed into His hand, and bowed to Him, and

mockingly saluted Him, 'Hail, king of the

Jews!' They then took the reed from His

hand and smote Him with it upon the head,

causing the thorns to penetrate His tem-

ples, sending the blood trickling down His

face and beard.

"It was difficult for the angels to endure

the sight. They would have delivered Jesus,

but the commanding angels forbade them,

saying that it was a great ransom which

was to be paid for man; but it would be

complete and would cause the death of him

who had the power of death. Jesus knew

that angels were witnessing the scene of His

humiliation. The weakest angel could have

caused that mocking throng to fall power-

less and could have delivered Jesus. He

knew that if He should desire it of His Fa-

ther, angels would instantly release Him.

But it 17,4s necessary that He should suffer

the violence of wicked men, in order to

carry out the plan of salvation."—Early

Writings,

page 170.

[32]

Angels at His Resurrection

and. Ascension

10.

What work was given an an-

gel the morning of Christ's resurrec-

tion? Matt. 28:1, 2.

NoTE.—"A heavenly host surrounded the

sepulcher. Angels that excel in strength

were guarding the tomb, and waiting to

welcome the Prince of life.

" 'And, behold, there was a great earth-

quake: for the angel of the Lord descended

from heaven.' Clothed with the panoply

of God, this angel left the heavenly courts.

The bright beams of God's glory went be-

fore him, and illuminated his pathway.

`His countenance was like lightning, and

his raiment white as snow: and for fear of

him the keepers did shake, and became as

dead men.'

"Now, priests and rulers, where is the

power of your guard? Brave soldiers that

have never been afraid of human power

are now as captives taken without sword

or spear. The face they look upon is not

the face of mortal warrior; it is the face of

the mightiest of the Lord's host. This mes-

senger is he who fills the position from

which Satan fell. It is he who on the hills

of Bethlehem proclaimed Christ's birth. The

earth trembles at his approach, the hosts

of darkness flee, and as he rolls away the

stone, heaven seems to come down to the

earth. The soldiers see him removing the

stone as he would a pebble, and hear him

cry, Son of God, come forth ; Thy Father

calls Thee. They see Jesus come forth from

the grave, and hear Him proclaim over the

rent sepulcher, 'I am the resurrection, and

the life.' As He comes forth in majesty and

glory, the angel host bow low in adoration

before the Redeemer, and welcome Him

with songs of praise."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 779, 780.

11.

What effect did the angelic

presence have upon the soldier guard?

Matt. 28:3, 4.

NoTE.—"Terror seized the Roman guard.

Where was now their power to keep the

body of Jesus? They did not think of their

duty or of the disciples' stealing Him away.

As the light of the angels shone around,

brighter than the sun, that Roman guard

fell as dead men to the ground."—Early

Writings,

page 182.

12.

What message did the angel

give

to the women? Matt. 28:5-7.

13.

How many angels at least had

special duties in connection with the

resurrection? Luke 24:3-5.

14.

What record do we have of the

ascension of Jesus? Acts 1:9.

15.

What message of comfort came

to the sorrowing disciples? Acts 1:

10, 11.

NoTE.—"These angels were of the com-

pany that had been waiting in a shining

cloud to escort Jesus to His heavenly home.

The most exalted of the angel throng, they

were the two who had come to the tomb

at Christ's resurrection, and they had been

with Him throughout His life on earth.

With eager desire all heaven had waited for

the end of His tarrying in a world marred

by the curse of sin. The time had now

come for the heavenly universe to receive

their King. Did not the two angels long

to join the throng that welcomed Jesus?

But in sympathy and love for those whom

He had left, they waited to give them com-

fort. 'Are they not all ministering spirits,

sent forth to minister for them who shall

be heirs of salvation?' Heb.

1:14."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 832.

16.

In what words was the ascen-

sion prophesied by the psalmist? Ps.

24:3-10.

[33

Lesson 11, for December 10, 1955

Angel Ministry to the Apostles

MEMORY VERSE:

"But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and

brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people

all the words of this life." Acts 5:19, 20.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques. 13-16.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab•

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 8-12.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Peter and John Delivered

by an Angel

Peter and John healing and preach-

ing. Acts 3:1-8; 4:8-10, 33.

Imprisoned at instigation of the

priests. Acts 5:17, 18.

Delivered by an angel. Acts 5:19, 20.

III. Stephen and Philip Subject to

Influence of Angels

Stephen's appearance before his

persecutors. Acts 6:8-15.

Persecution spreads the gospel.

Acts 8:1-4.

Philip's mission to Samaria. Acts

8:5-8.

Angel directs Philip to Ethiopian

eunuch. Acts 8:26-30.

IV. Cornelius and Peter Directed

by an Angel

Angel visits Roman centurion. Acts

10:1-6.

Cornelius sends messengers to

Joppa. Acts 10:7, 8.

Peter prepared for his visitors.

Acts 10:9, 10, 17-20.

Messengers make known their re-

quest. Acts 10:21-23.

Results of following the angel's di-

rections. Acts 10:24, 34, 35, 44-48.

V. Peter and Paul Experience Inter-

position of Angels

Peter imprisoned under Herod's

persecution. Acts 12:1-5.

An angel releases his chains. Acts

12:6-8.

Herod smitten by an angel. Acts

12:21-24.

Paul assured by the angel. Acts

27:22-25.

THE LESSON

Introduction

As we contemplate the divine guidance

and angelic interposition in behalf of the

apostolic church, we are assured of the same

interest of heaven in the messengers of God

today.

"The experience of Philip, directed by an

[ 34 ]

angel from heaven to go to the place where

he met one seeking for truth; of Cornelius,

visited by an angel with a message from

God; of Peter, in prison and condemned to

death, led by an angel forth to safety,—all

show the closeness of the connection be-

tween heaven and earth.

"To the worker for God, the record of

these angel visits should bring strength and

courage. Today, as verily as in the days of

the apostles, heavenly messengers are pass-

ing through the length and breadth of the

land, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to

protect the impenitent, to win the hearts

of men to Christ. We cannot see them per-

sonally; nevertheless they are with us, guid-

ing, directing, protecting."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 152, 153.

Peter and John Delivered

by an Angel

What glimpse is given us of the

ministry of Peter and John in the

early days of the apostolic church?

Acts 3:1-8; 4:8-10, 33.

What resulted from their effec-

tive preaching of the gospel? Acts

5:17, 18.

NorE.—"While Peter and John were pri-

soners, the other disciples, knowing the

malignity of the Jews, had prayed unceas-

ingly for their brethren, fearing that the

cruelty shown to Christ might be repeated."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 67.

What deliverance came to these

apostles? Acts 5:19, 20.

Stephen and Philip Subject

to Influence of Angels

How did Stephen in his martyr-

dom reflect the influence of angels in

his experience? Acts 6:8-15.

NOTE.—"As Stephen stood face to face

with his judges to answer to the charge of

blasphemy, a holy radiance shone upon his

countenance, and 'all that sat in the coun-

cil, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face

as it had been the face of an angel.' Many

who beheld this light trembled and veiled

their faces, but the stubborn unbelief and

prejudice of the rulers did not waver."

"The martyrdom of Stephen made a deep

impression upon all who witnessed it. . . .

His death was a sore trial to the church, but

it resulted in the conviction of Saul, who

could not efface from his memory the faith

and constancy of the martyr, and the glory

that had rested on his countenance."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 99, 101.

What resulted from the raging

persecution following the death of

Stephen? Acts 8:1-4.

NOTE.—"The persecution that came upon

the church in Jerusalem resulted in giving

a great impetus to the work of the gospel.

. . . To scatter His representatives abroad,

where they could work for others, God per-

mitted persecution to come upon them.

Driven from Jerusalem, the believers 'went

everywhere preaching the word.'

"—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 105.

What did Philip do when per-

secution arose at Jerusalem? Acts 8:

5-8.

What direction did an angel

give to Philip, and with what results?

Acts 8:26-30.

NoTE.—"This Ethiopian represents

large clasg who need to be taught by such

missionaries as Philip,—men who will hear

the voice of God, and go where He sends

them. There are many who are reading the

Scriptures who cannot understand their

true import. All over the world men and

women are looking wistfully to heaven.

Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from

souls longing for light, for grace, for the

[35

"THE

RECORD

THESE

ANGEL

VISITS SHOULD BRING

STRENGTH AND COURAGE."

Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the

kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.

"An angel guided Philip to the one who

was seeking for light, and who was ready

to receive the gospel; and today angels will

guide the footsteps of those workers who

will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their

tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts.

The angel sent to Philip could himself have

done the work for the Ethiopian, but this

is not God's way of working. It is His plan

that men are to work for their fellow men."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 109.

Cornelius and Peter Directed

by an Angel

8. How did the Lord answer the

prayer of a Roman officer? Acts 10:

1-6.

NOTE.—"The angel appeared to Cornel-

ius while he was at prayer. As the centu-

rion heard himself addressed by name, he

was afraid, yet he knew that the messenger

had come from God, and he said, 'What is it,

Lord?' The angel answered, 'Thy prayers

and thine alms are come up for a memo-

rial before God. And now send men to

Joppa, and call for one Simon; whose sur-

name is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon

a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.'

"The explicitness of these directions, in

which was named even the occupation of

the man with whom Peter was staying,

shows that heaven is acquainted with the

history and business of men in every sta-

tion of life. God is familiar with the ex-

perience and work of the humble laborer,

as well as with that of the king upon his

throne."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

133, 134.

In harmony with the angel's in-

struction what course did Cornelius

follow? Acts 10:7, 8.

10.

How did God prepare Peter to

receive the delegation from Cornel-

ius? Acts 10:9, 10, 17-20.

NoTE.—"The angel, after his interview

with Cornelius, went to Peter, in Joppa."—

The Acts of the Apostles,

page 135.

11.

What experience did the mes-

sengers repeat as they made known

their request to Peter? Acts 10:21-23.

NOTE.—"Because Cornelius was living in

obedience to all the instruction he had re-

ceived, God so ordered events that he was

given more truth. A messenger from the

courts of heaven was sent to the Roman

officer and to Peter, in order that Cornelius

might be brought into touch with one who

could lead him into greater light.

"There are in our world many who are

nearer the kingdom of God than we sup-

pose. In this dark world of sin, the Lord

has many precious jewels, to whom He will

guide His messengers. Everywhere there

are those who will take

their stand for

Christ. Many will prize the wisdom of God

above any earthly advantage, and will be-

come faithful light bearers. Constrained by

the love of Christ, they will constrain oth-

ers to come to

Him."—The Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 140, 141.

[ 36

12.

What was the result of this

meeting arranged by an angel? Acts

10:24, 34, 35, 44-48.

Peter and Paul Experience

Interposition of Angels

13.

Under whom did persecution

continue, and what persons were par-

ticularly involved? Acts 12:1-5.

NOTE.—"The government of Judea was

then in the hands of Herod Agrippa. . . .

Herod also held the position of tetrarch of

Galilee. He was professedly a proselyte to

the Jewish faith, and apparently very

zealous in carrying out the ceremonies of

the Jewish law. Desirous of obtaining the

favor of the Jews, hoping thus to make se-

cure his offices and honors, he proceeded to

carry out their desires by persecuting the

church of Christ, spoiling the houses and

goods of the believers, and imprisoning the

leading members of the church. He cast

James, the brother of John, into prison, and

sent an executioner to kill him with the

sword, as another Herod had caused the

prophet John to be beheaded. Seeing that

the Jews were well pleased with these ef-

forts, he imprisoned Peter also."—The

Acts

of the Apostles,

page 143.

14.

How was Peter released? Acts

12:6-8.

15.

What judgment came upon

Herod? Acts 12:21-24.

NOTE.—"The same angel who had come

from the royal courts to rescue Peter, had

been the messenger of wrath and judgment

to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse

him from slumber: it was with a different

stroke that he smote the wicked king, lay-

ing low his pride, and bringing upon him

the punishment of the Almighty. Herod

died in great agony of mind and body, un-

der the retributive judgment of God."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page

152.

16.

On the storm-tossed sea what

assurance was brought by an angel

to Paul? Acts 27:22-25.

Lesson 12, for December 17, 1955

Angels in the Final Gospel Work

MEMORY VERSE:

"After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,

having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Rev. 18:1.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of

the lesson.

Sunday: Introduction; Ques. 1-3.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.

Tuesday: Ques.

8-11.

Wednesday: Ques.

12-15.

Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

bath School Lesson Help.

Friday: Review the entire lesson.

[ 37

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II. Angel Interest in the Heirs of

Salvation

Angel ministry. Heb. 1:13, 14.

Joy of angels over repentant sinner.

Luke 15:7, 10.

Names confessed before angels.

Rev. 3:5.

III. Gospel Heralds in the Final Work

of Salvation

The angel with the open book. Rev.

10:1-3.

The angel's message. Rev. 10:5-7.

The angel with the everlasting gos-

pel. Rev. 14:6, 7.

Angel proclaims fall of Babylon.

Rev. 14:8.

The message of the third angel.

Rev. 14:9-12.

Angel that lightens the world. Rev.

18:1, 2.

IV. Angels and the Sealing Work

Angels holding the winds. Rev. 7:1.

Angel with the seal of God. Rev.

7:2, 3.

A being clad in linen with writer's

inkhorn. Ezek. 9:2, 4, 11.

Destruction of all but those who

have the mark of God. Ezek.

9:5-7.

Number sealed. Rev. 7:4.

A great multitude on sea of glass

cause rejoicing among the angels.

Rev. 7:9-12.

THE LESSON

Introduction

To God's people in the closing up of the

gospel work, this lesson on the angels in the

final work of the gospel should come with

special encouragement. As Satan and his

angels become increasingly active in the lat-

ter days, how comforting it is to know that

holy angels become all the more prominent

in the work of God.

In the time of trouble in the last days we

have the assurance of angelic care over

God's people. "Angels will shield the right-

eous, and supply their wants. . . .

"Could men see with heavenly vision,

they would behold companies of angels that

excel in strength stationed about those who

have kept the word of Christ's patience....

"The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their

trust, continue their watch. . . . None can

pass the mighty guardians stationed about

every faithful soul. Some . .. are defended

by angels in the form of men of war.

"In all ages, God has wrought through

holy angels for the succor and deliverance

of His people."-The

Great Controversy,

pages 629-631.

Angel Interest in the Heirs

of Salvation

1. To whom are the angels sent to

minister? Heb. 1:13, 14.

What shows their deep interest

in the salvation of men? Luke 15:

7, 10.

Nora.-"The angels of glory find their

joy in giving,-giving love and tireless

watchcare to souls that are fallen and un-

holy. Heavenly beings woo the hearts of

men; they bring to this dark world light

from the courts above; by gentle and pa-

tient ministry they move upon the human

spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship

with Christ which is even closer than they

themselves can know."-The

Desire of Ages,

page 21.

What confession further indi-

cates the interest of angels in the sal-

vation of men? Rev. 3:5.

NOTE.

-"To all the faithful ones who

were striving against evil, John heard the

promises made: 'To him that overcometh

will I give to eat of the tree of life.' . . .

`And I will not blot out his name out of

the book of life, but I will confess his name

before My Father, and before His angels.' "

-The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 588, 589.

138 3

THESE ANGELS SYMBOLIZE THE

WORK OF

GOO'S MESSENGERS ON

EARTH

OWING

THE sotemN

WARNINGS FROM HEAVEN.

Gospel Heralds in the Final

Work of Salvation

What significant statements are

made in connection with the angel

messenger introduced in the tenth

chapter of the Revelation? Rev. 10:

1-3.

NorE.—His standing on both the sea and

the land, and crying with a loud voice, in-

dicates that his message was for the whole

world.



•

" 'He had in his hand a little book

open.'

We may infer from this language that this

book was at some time closed. We read in

Daniel of a book which was closed and

sealed to a certain time: 'Thou,

Daniel,

shut up the words, and seal the book, even

to the time of the end. . . .' Daniel 12:4.

Since this book was closed only

until

the

time of the end, it follows that

the time

of the end the book would be opened. . . .

There is no book spoken of as closed and

sealed except the book of Daniel's proph-

ecy, and there is no account of the opening

of that book unless it be here in Revelation

10."—The Prophecies of Daniel and the

Revelation,

pages 519, 520.

What was the startling message

of this angel? Rev. 10:5-7.

NoTx.—"Few will be disposed to deny

that the mystery of God is the gospel. It is

the same, then, as if the angel had de-

clared, In the days of the voice of the sev-

enth angel, when he shall begin to sound,

the

gospel

shall be finished."—The

Proph-

ecies of Daniel and the Revelation,

pages

526, 527.

How is the world-wide nature of

the judgment hour expressed? Rev.

14:6, 7.

NorE.—"These angels are evidently sym-

bolic; for the work assigned them is that of

preaching the everlasting gospel to the peo-

ple. But the preaching of the gospel has

not been entrusted to literal angels; it has

been committed unto men, who are respon-

sible for this sacred trust placed in their

hands. Each of these three angels, there-

fore, symbolizes a body of religious teach-

ers, who are commissioned to make known

to their fellow men the special truths which

constitute the burden of these messages

respectively.

"But we are to consider further that an-

gels, literally, are intensely interested in the

work of grace among men, being sent forth

to minister to those who shall be heirs of

salvation. And as there is order in all the

movements and appointments of the heav-

enly world, it may not be fanciful to sup-

pose that a literal angel has charge and

oversight of the work of each message."—

Daniel and the Revelation,

1918 ed., p. 633.

How was the fall of Babylon an-

nounced? Rev. 14:8.

What is said of the message of

the third angel? Rev. 14:9-12.

NOTE.—

then saw the third angel. Said

my accompanying angel, 'Fearful is his

work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel

that is to select the wheat from the tares,

[39

]

and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heav-

enly garner. These things should engross the

whole mind, the whole attention.'

"—Early

Writings,

page 118.

What mighty being will join the

third angel in the last warning to man

and lighten the earth with his glory?

Rev. 18:1, 2.

NoTE.—"I saw angels hurrying to and

fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and

again ascending to heaven, preparing for

the fulfillment of some important event.

Then I saw another mighty angel commis-

sioned to descend to the earth, to unite his

voice with the third angel, and give power

and force to his message. Great power and

glory were imparted to the angel, and as he

descended, the earth was lightened with his

glory. . . .

"Angels were sent to aid the mighty an-

gel from heaven, and I heard voices which

seemed to sound everywhere, 'Come out of

her, My people, that ye be not partakers of

her sins, and that ye receive not of her

plagues. For her sins have reached unto

heaven, and God hath remembered her

iniquities.'

"—Early Writings,

page 277.

Angels and the Sealing Work

10.

What did John see four angels

doing? Rev. 7:1.

NOTE.—"The time of the work here intro-

duced is established beyond mistake. The

sixth chapter closed with the events of the

sixth seal, and the seventh seal is not men-

tioned until we reach the beginning of Rev-

elation 8. The whole of Revelation 7 is

therefore thrown in here parenthetically.

. . . The expression, 'after these things,'

does not mean after the fulfillment of all

the events previously described, but after

the prophet had been carried in vision to

the close of the sixth seal. . . . It must be

accomplished before the departing of the

heavens as a scroll, for after that event

there is no place for such a work as this.

It must take place after the signs in the

sun, moon, and stars, for these signs have

already been fulfilled, and such a sealing

work has not yet been accomplished. It

comes in therefore between the 13th and

14th verses of Revelation 6. There, as al-

ready shown, is just where we now stand.

Hence the first part of Revelation 7 relates

to a work the accomplishment of which

may be looked for now."—The

Prophecies

of Daniel and the Revelation,

page 453.

11.

What vitally important work

of another angel is next introduced?

Rev. 7:2, 3.

NOTE.—"I saw four angels who had a

work to do on the earth, and were on their

way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed

with priestly garments. He gazed in pity

on the remnant, then raised His hands, and

with a voice of deep pity cried,

'My blood,

Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!'

Then I saw an exceeding bright light come

from God, who sat upon the great white

throne, and was shed all about Jesus.

Then I saw an angel with a commission

from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four an-

gels who had a work to do on the earth,

and waving something up and down in his

hand, and crying with a loud voice,

'Hold!

Hold! Hold! Hold!

until the servants of

God are sealed in their foreheads.'

"I asked my accompanying angel the

meaning of what I heard, and what the

four angels were about to do. He said to

me that it was God that restrained the

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE

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E 40

powers, and that He gave His angels charge

over things on the earth; that the four an-

gels had power from God to hold the four

winds, and that they were about to let

them go; but while their hands were loose-

ening, and the four winds were 'about to

blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on

the remnant that were not sealed, and He

raised His hands to the Father and pleaded

with Him that He had spilled His blood for

them. Then another angel was commis-

sioned to fly swiftly to the four angels and

bid them hold, until the servants of God

were sealed with the seal of the living God

in their foreheads."—Early

Writings,

page

38.

12. How is the sealing work de-

scribed by the prophet? Ezek. 9:2,

4, 11.

NOTE.—"I saw angels hurrying to and fro

in heaven. An angel with a writer's ink-

horn by his side returned from the earth

and reported to Jesus that his work was

done, and the saints were numbered and

sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been

ministering before the ark containing the

Ten Commandments, throw down the cen-

ser. He raised His hands, and with a loud

voice said,

'It is done.' "—Early Writings,

page 279.

13.

What terrible commission was

next to be carried out? Ezek. 9:5-7.

NoTE.—"The mark of deliverance has

been set upon those 'that sigh and that cry

for all the abominations that be done.' Now

the angel of death goes forth, represented

in Ezekiel's vision by the men with the

slaughtering weapons, to whom the com-

mand is given: 'Slay utterly old and young,

both maids, and little children, and women:

but come not near any man upon whom is

the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.'

Says the prophet, 'They began at the an-

cient men which were before the house.'

The work of destruction begins among those

who have professed to be the spiritual

guardians of the people. The false watch-

men are the first to fall. There are none to

pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens,

and little children perish together."—The

Great Controversy,

page 656.

14.

How many from

the

tribes of

Israel are sealed? Rev. 7:4.

15.

What is the cause of great re-

joicing among the angel throng

around the throne of God? Rev. 7:

9-12.

Lesson 13, for December 24, 1955

Angels in the World Harvest

MEMORY VERSE:

"When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy

angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Matt. 25:31.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: General survey of Wednesday: Ques.

12-15.

the lesson.



Thursday: "Review and Herald" Sab-

Sunday: Introduction; Ques.

1-3.



bath School Lesson Help.

Monday: Ques. 4-7.



Friday: Review the entire lesson.

Tuesday: Ques. 8-11.

[ 41 ]

Lesson Outline:

IV.

I. Introduction

II. Time of the Harvest

Prophecy of the final harvest. Joel

3:12-14.

Harvest, the end of the world.

Matt. 13:39, middle part of verse.

Angel announces that harvest is V.

ripe. Rev. 14:15.

III. At Christ's Coming

All nations gathered before Him.

Matt. 25:31, 32, first part.

Comes with angels and awards.

Matt, 16:27.

Effect on the wicked. Matt. 24:30,

31, first part.

The joy of the righteous. Isa.

25:8, 9.

The Angel Reapers

Work of angels in the harvest. Matt.

13:39, last part.

Reaping the vintage. Rev. 14:17-19.

Angels referred to as "the armies

which were in heaven." Rev.

19:11-15.

Separation of Wicked From the

Righteous

Parable of the wheat and the tares.

Matt. 13:25-30.

Interpretation of the parable. Matt.

13:38-41.

Angels sever the wicked from the

just. Matt. 13:49.

Wicked cast into furnace of fire.

Matt. 13:42, 50; Mal. 4:1.

Righteous rewarded in kingdom of

their Father. Matt. 13:43; 25:34.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The greatest manifestation of holy angels

ever witnessed upon this earth will be at the

second coming of Christ, when He comes in

glory with all the holy angels with Him to

reap the harvest of earth. With what com-

fort may the child of God look forward to

this final service of angels for man upon

this earth!

"When Christ comes, He will send His

angels in every direction, wherever the

saints of God lie sleeping, to gather out His

faithful ones, His elect, chosen, precious,

ransomed from among men. Not one grave,

however lonely, will be neglected in that

hour; not one burial place overlooked. Not

one who made God his trust, though he lie

in the depths of the sea, will be forgotten."

-I. H. Evans,

The Ministry of Angels,

page 279.

Time of the Harvest

1. What prophecy of the final har-

vest is made by Joel? Joel 3:12-14.

When is the harvest declared to

be? Matt. 13:39, middle part of verse.

How is the time of the harvest

referred to by John? Rev. 14:15.

NoTE.-"Events grow solemn as we near

the end. It is this fact which gives to the

third angel's message, now going forth, its

unusual degree of solemnity and impor-

tance. It is the last warning to go forth

prior to the coming of the Son of man, here

represented as seated upon a white cloud,

a crown upon His head, and a sickle in His

hand, to reap the harvest of the earth."-

The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revela-

tion,

pages 676, 677.

At Christ's Coming

At Christ's coming who will be

gathered before Him? Matt. 25:31,

32, first part.

[42

]

THE

mans WILL

OATH!! clops FAITHFUL

ONES FROM AU. THE EARTH,

NOTE.—"With unerring accuracy the In-

finite One still keeps account with the na-

tions. While His mercy is tendered, with

calls to repentance, this account remains

open; but when the figures reach a certain

amount which God has fixed, the ministry

of His wrath begins. The account is closed.

Divine patience ceases. Mercy no longer

pleads in their

behalf."—Prophets and

Kings,

page 364.

At this time what will be ac-

complished by Christ and the angels?

Matt. 16:27.

What will be the effect upon the

wicked as Jesus comes with His an-

gels? Matt. 24:30, 31, first part. Com-

pare Rev. 6:15-17.

Noza.—"The time is not far distant when

God will arise to vindicate His insulted

authority. 'The Lord cometh out of His

place to punish the inhabitants of the earth

for their iniquity.' . . . The voice of the

Archangel and the trump of God shall sum-

mon, from the whole earth, both the living

and the dead to the presence of their Judge.

The Father and the Son, attended by a mul-

titude of angels, were present upon the

mount. At the great judgment day, Christ

will come 'in the glory of His Father with

His angels.' He shall then sit upon the

throne of His glory, and before Him shall

be gathered all

nations."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 339.

How will the righteous express

their joy at this time? Isa. 25:8, 9.

NcrE.—"All heaven will be emptied of

the angels, while the waiting saints will be

looking for Him and gazing into heaven, as

were the men of Galilee when He ascended

from the Mount of Olivet. Then only those

who are holy, those who have followed

fully the meek Pattern, will with rapturous

joy exclaim as they behold Him, `Lo, this

is our God; we have waited for Him, and

He will save

us.' "—Early Writings,

page

110.

The Angel Reapers

What is the work of the angels

in the time of the harvest? Matt. 13:

39, last part.

What command is given to an

angel when the grapes are fully ripe?

Rev. 14:17-19.

10.

Who will accompany Christ as

He comes to tread the wine press?

Rev. 19:11-15.

NOTE.—"Jesus rides forth as a mighty

conqueror. Not now a 'Man of Sorrows,'

to drink the bitter cup of shame and woe,

He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to

judge the living and the dead. 'Faithful and

true,' in righteousness He doth judge and

make war.' And 'the armies which were in

heaven follow Him.' With anthems of ce-

[ 43

lestial melody the holy angels, a vast, un-

numbered throng, attend Him on His way.

The firmament seems filled with radiant

forms,—`ten thousand times ten thousand,

and thousands of thousands.' No human

pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind

is adequate to conceive its splendor. 'His

glory covered the heavens, and the earth

was full of His praise. And His brightness

was as the light.' As the living cloud comes

still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince

of life. No crown of thorns now mars that

sacred head, but a diadem of glory rests on

His holy brow. His countenance outshines

the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun.

`And He hath on His vesture and on His

thigh a name written, King of kings, and

Lord of lords.'

"—The Great Controversy,

page 641.

Separation of Wicked From

the Righteous

11.

In the parable of the wheat and

tares what were the reapers to do in

the time of the harvest? Matt. 13:

25-30.

12.

In interpreting the parable

what did Jesus say would be the work

of angels? Matt. 13:38-41.

NOTE.—"The tares are permitted to grow

among the wheat, to have all the advantage

of sun and shower; but in the time of har-

vest ye shall 'return, and discern between

the righteous and the wicked, between him

that serveth God and him that serveth Him

not.' Christ Himself will decide who are

worthy to dwell with the family of heaven.

He will judge every man according to his

words and his works. Profession is as noth-

ing in the scale. It is character that de-

cides destiny."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 74.

13.

What separation will then take

place at the end of the world? Matt.

13:49.

NOTE.—"The derisive jests have ceased.

Lying lips are hushed into silence. . . . The

wicked pray to be buried beneath the rocks

of the mountains, rather than meet the face

of Him whom they have despised and re-

jected."—The

Great Controversy,

page 642.

14.

What disposition will be made

of the wicked? Matt. 13:42, 50; Mal.

4:1.

NOTE.—"Both the parable of the tares

and that of the net plainly teach that there

is no time when all the wicked will turn

to God. The wheat and the tares grow to-

gether until the harvest. The good and the

bad fish are together drawn ashore for a

final separation.

"Again, these parables teach that there is

to be no probation after the judgment.

When the work of the gospel is completed,

there immediately follows the separation

between the good and the evil, and the

destiny of each class is forever fixed.

"God does not desire the destruction of

any. 'As I live, saith the Lord God, I have

no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but

that the wicked turn from his way and live.

Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for

why will ye die ?' Throughout the period

of probationary time His Spirit is entreat-

ing men to accept the gift of life. It is only

those who reject His pleading that will be

left to perish. God has declared that sin

must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the

universe. Those who cling to sin will perish

in its destruction."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 123.

15.

What will be the reward of the

righteous? Matt. 13:43; 25:34.

NoTE.—"The great controversy is ended.

Sin and sinners are no more. The entire

universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and

gladness beats through the vast creation.

From Him who created all, flow life and

light and gladness, throughout the realms

of illimitable space. From the minutest

atom to the greatest world, all things, ani-

mate and inanimate, in their unshadowed

beauty and perfect joy, declare that God

love."—The Great Controversy,

page 678.

[

44]

Lesson 14, for December 31,

1955

Review

MEMORY VERSE:

Review the memory verses for the quarter and endeavor to

fasten them in the memory.

STUDY HELP:

"Review and Herald" Sabbath School Lesson Help.

DAILY

STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: Review the memory

verses.

Sunday: Lessons 1,

Monday: Lessons 3-5.

Tuesday: Lessons 6-8.

Wednesday: Lessons 9-11.

Thursday: Lessons 12, 13.

Friday: "Review and Herald" Sabbath

School Lesson Help.

THE LESSON

How have men been affected at the ap-

pearance of an angel? Judges 6:21-23;

Dan. 8:16, 17. What change in man's

position will follow the resurrection?

Luke 20:36.

Introduction

We have just completed the study of a

series of lessons that should be a great bless-

ing to us in the knowledge that an angel is

with us every step of the way when we

walk in the path of righteousness, and that

our Father in heaven has legions of angels

which He sends forth "to minister for them

who shall be heirs of salvation." On this

fourteenth Sabbath of the quarter we shall

review some of the highlights of the lessons

that have gone before in an endeavor to

strengthen our confidence in the ministry of

angels as we face the trials of the last days.

Lesson 1—Angels Created Beings;

Disaffection and Conflict

By what name are the members of

God's family in heaven and earth

known? Job 1:6; 1 John 3:1. How

far back can the existence of angels

be traced? Job 38:4-7. How do we

know that angels are created beings?

Ezek. 28:15. What was the cause of

the conflict in heaven, and what was

the result? Isa. 14:12-14; Rev. 12:7-9.

Lesson 2—Angels a Higher Order

of Being Than Man

What comparative relation exists

between angels and men? Ps. 8:4, 5.

Lesson 3—The Dominion

of God and

the Number and Glory of His

His Messengers

By virtue of the act of creation,

what is God's position over the uni-

verse? Acts 17:24. How many angels

attend the Lord of heaven and earth?

Dan. 7:9, 10. How does Daniel de-

scribe the glory of an angel? Dan.

10:5, 6.

Lesson 4—Power and Speed

of the Angels

How does the psalmist refer to the

power of angels? Ps. 103:20. How

was this power illustrated in the de-

liverance of Peter from prison? Acts

5:17-19. How does Ezekiel describe

the movements of angels? Ezek. 1:14.

What is one example of the swiftness

with which angels can come to man's

help? Dan. 9:21.

L45

]

Lesson 5—Guardian Angels

Who stands before God in behalf

of His little ones? Matt. 18:10. What

evidence have we that the same care

is over all God's children? Job 1:6-12;

Ps. 91:11, 12.

Lesson 6—Angels and the Judgment

What vision of the judgment was

given to John the revelator? Rev.

20:11-15. What indicates that an an-

gel keeps the record of our lives? Eccl.

5:6. Before whom will the name of

the overcomer be confessed? Rev. 3:5.

Lesson 7—Angels Agents in

Divine Revelation

Whom did God send to communi-

cate His message to Daniel? Dan. 9:

21, 22. Name some other instances of

divine revelation through angels. Gen.

22:11, 12; Judges 6:11, 12; Luke 1:

11-18, 26-35. What should be our at-

titude toward these heavenly messen-

gers? Rev. 22:8, 9.

Lesson 8—Angel Ministry to Men

How did Abraham entertain "an-

gels unawares"? Gen. 18:1-8. What

ministry did angels perform in behalf

of Abraham and Lot? Gen. 19:15-24.

Lesson 9—Angel Ministry to

Men (Continued)

At Bethel what vision appeared to

Jacob? Gen. 28:10-15. How did an

angel minister to Elijah? 1 Kings 19:

5-8. What experience shows that God

works through angels to influence un-

believers? Dan. 10:13.

Lesson 10—Angel Ministry to Jesus

How did angels minister to Jesus in

the hour of His agony? Luke 22:39-

44. What part did an angel play at

the resurrection of Jesus? Matt. 28:

1-7. What ministry did angels per-

form at the ascension of Christ? Acts

1:9-11.

Lesson 11—Angel Ministry to the

Apostles

How did an angel minister to Peter

and John? Acts 5:17-20. How did an

angel direct Philip? Acts 8:26-30.

What experience did Cornelius have

that led to his conversion? Acts 10:7,

8, 44-48.

Lesson 12—Angels in the Final

Gospel Work

To whom are the angels of God

sent forth to minister? Heb. 1:14. In

the last warning message to mankind

who are represented as leading God's

children? Rev. 14:6-8; 18:1, 2. What

part will angels act in the sealing of

the saints? Ezek. 9:1-11; Rev. 7:4.

Lesson 13—Angels in the World Harvest

In the harvest at the end of the

world what work will the angels do?

Matt. 13:37-42, 47-49. At Christ's ap-

pearing what does He send the angels

to do? Matt. 24:30, 31. How does the

revelator describe the work of angels

at the time of harvest? Rev.

14:14-20.

The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in

the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian,

German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian,

Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-

national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any

of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates.

[46]

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

December 24, 1955

This quarter the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering goes to two

interesting fields- that we do not hear as much about as we do of some other

parts of the world. These are two mission fields of the Southern European

Division—the island of Madagascar, and Portuguese East Africa. The Gen-

eral Conference, through the Southern European Division, has bought 2,50o

acres of good land twelve miles from the railroad near Vila Pery in Portu-

guese East Africa in order to establish a new mission station. We have pros-

pects of a good evangelistic work among the natives and also among the

large white population. There are no other missions in the locality. We must

build a school, a church, a dispensary, and houses for missionary families.

Our first secular work will be farming, and for this we need agricultural

implements. It is to help meet these needs that part of the overflow will be

used at the end of the fourth quarter.

The rest of the overflow will go to Madagascar to help establish a new

mission station at Tamatave. The main thing about this mission station will

be a training school where workers can be trained to work for their own peo-

ple. These far-distant fields are looking to Sabbath-school members around

the world to bring a real Christmas offering on December 24. Let us not dis-

appoint them.

LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER, 1956

Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for the

first quarter of 1956 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson.

The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Lessons From the Gospel Prophet," the first of a

two-quarter series of lessons on the book of Isaiah. The title of the first lesson is "God's

Arraignment of Israel." The Memory Verse is Isaiah 1:18. The texts to be studied are:

Ques. 1. Isa. 1:2.

Ques. 2. Isa. 1:3.

Ques. 3. Isa. 1:4.

Ques. 4. Isa. 1:5, first part.

Ques. 5. Isa. 1:5, last part, 6.

Ques. 6. Isa. 1:7, 8.

Ques. 7. Isa. 1:9.

Ques. 8. Isa. 1:10-12.

Ques. 9. Isa. 1:13-15.

Ques. 10. Isa. 1:16-17.

Ques. 11. Isa. 1:18.

Ques. 12. Isa. 1:19, 20.

Ques. 13. Isa. 1:21-25.

Ques. 14. Isa. 1:26, 27.

[ 47 ]

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